Garden Grove Chemical Tank Incident: An Ongoing Crisis

An aerial view captured on May 23, 2026, shows water being sprayed on a 34,000-gallon tank at GKN Aerospace in Garden Grove, California. The tank poses a risk of chemical leakage or explosion due to a malfunction. Some 50,000 residents remain evacuated as emergency teams tackle the situation.

Situation Overview and Immediate Risks

Overnight, a chemical tank showed signs of a crack, intensifying the emergency at GKN Aerospace. The tank contains approximately 7,000 gallons of methyl methacrylate, a combustible chemical used in resins and plastics. Late Saturday, interim county fire chief, TJ McGovern, reported the discovery of a potential crack in the tank.

“What they found was a potential crack in the tank.” – TJ McGovern

Benefits and Hazards of a Cracked Tank

The emergency began Thursday, with chemicals exceeding safe temperatures. Methyl methacrylate reacts exothermically, risking pressure buildup and explosion. In 2009, a similar incident in the UK caused substantial damage, though no fatalities were reported. Now, the California tank appears damaged, bulging outward, increasing concerns of an explosion.

Incident commander Craig Covey believes a slow leak may prevent an explosive outcome. “Because once it comes out it is no longer an explosive hazard,” Covey emphasized.

Health and Environmental Concerns

GKN Aerospace works continually to mitigate leak risks. Skin, eye irritation, respiratory issues, and neurological symptoms like headaches may arise from exposure to methyl methacrylate. Long-term exposure risks include lung and organ damage. Environmental impacts remain uncertain but expected to be negative.

Containment barriers are being set up to prevent chemical contamination of local waterways, Covey reported.

Evacuation Status

Approximately tens of thousands of people have been displaced due to the potential chemical leak, warned of possible explosions. Evacuees have been checking in at shelters since May 22.

“We cannot do that until it’s deemed safe,” Chief McGovern stated regarding returning home.

Monitoring stations by the Environmental Protection Agency indicate no detected fumes yet. However, authorities continue efforts to relieve tank pressure, providing hope for stabilization.