California Today

California Residents Return Home After Chemical Tank Scare, but Fears Linger

27 May 2026 16:20

Residents evacuated after a chemical tank overheated at GKN Aerospace in Garden Grove, California, have returned home, but fears about safety and accountability remain. - A cooling system valve failure forced 50,000 people to evacuate; the tank cracked by chance, preventing an explosion.

- The tank contains 6,000-7,000 gallons of highly flammable methyl methacrylate; health officials say no contamination was released. - A lawsuit alleges the company failed to protect neighbors; the Orange County DA is investigating.

- GKN has a history of violations, including a $900,000 settlement and 10 OSHA citations since 2018. The incident has sparked calls for the company to relocate and compensate residents, as experts compare it to past chemical disasters.

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