Chemical tank crack eases explosion fears as 50,000 residents flee California
Key takeaways
- Water is sprayed on a damaged tank at GKN Aerospace in Garden Grove, California, on 24 May 2026 after the tank containing a chemical used to make plastic parts overheated.
- Prefer the Guardian on GoogleA damaged chemical tank in southern California cracked over the weekend, which authorities were hopeful would relieve pressure and reduce the risk of an explosion.
- Some 50,000 residents in Garden Grove, a city of roughly 170,000 about 40 miles (60km) south of downtown Los Angeles, have been evacuated and are waiting for a resolution.
Why this matters: a developing story that could shape the day's news cycle.
Water is sprayed on a damaged tank at GKN Aerospace in Garden Grove, California, on 24 May 2026 after the tank containing a chemical used to make plastic parts overheated. Photograph: Ethan Swope/APView image in fullscreen Water is sprayed on a damaged tank at GKN Aerospace in Garden Grove, California, on 24 May 2026 after the tank containing a chemical used to make plastic parts overheated. Photograph: Ethan Swope/APCalifornia Chemical tank crack eases explosion fears as 50,000 residents flee CaliforniaUS officials hope damaged tank at California aerospace site will relieve pressure and avert blast risk
Prefer the Guardian on GoogleA damaged chemical tank in southern California cracked over the weekend, which authorities were hopeful would relieve pressure and reduce the risk of an explosion.
Some 50,000 residents in Garden Grove, a city of roughly 170,000 about 40 miles (60km) south of downtown Los Angeles, have been evacuated and are waiting for a resolution.