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Efforts to stop California chemical leak in Orange County on "new trajectory," officials say, as 50,000 remain evacuated

CBS News

Last updated: May 25, 2026

An industrial disaster in Orange County, California, involving a toxic chemical leak from a tank at GKN Aerospace, has led to the evacuation of 50,000 residents. Efforts to resolve the crisis are underway, with officials exploring new strategies following the discovery of a potential pressure-relieving crack in the tank.

A potential crack discovered in the tank storing methyl methacrylate may alter the strategy for resolving the ongoing toxic chemical leak in Garden Grove, California.
The leak, entering its fourth day, concerns a tank estimated to contain 7,000 gallons of methyl methacrylate, a flammable plastic epoxy that generates its own heat and is a respiratory irritant.
Incident commanders have identified two primary risks: a complete tank failure leading to a large spill or a thermal runaway causing an explosion that could affect surrounding tanks.
Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency for Orange County, mobilizing state resources and funding.
The Orange County District Attorney has launched an investigation into the cause of the tank's failure, encouraging employees with information to come forward.
A class-action lawsuit has been filed against GKN Aerospace by evacuated residents seeking accountability for the disruption and potential health risks.
GKN Aerospace has apologized for the disruption and stated they are working with emergency services and experts to resolve the situation safely and in a timely manner.
The chemical, methyl methacrylate, is heavier than air and has self-heating properties, posing risks of fire, explosions, and uncontrolled reactions if not managed properly.