Chemical Tank Explosion in Toledo Prompts Evacuation of About 1,000 Residents
A chemical tank exploded in Toledo, Ohio, on Tuesday night, releasing a chemical into the air and forcing hundreds of people from their homes. The Associated Press reported that residents were ordered to evacuate or stay indoors because of fears of a toxic release. The incident, which occurred near the Ohio-Michigan border, has prompted safety warnings as well as evacuations.
The chemical is glycidyl methacrylate, an industrial coating product used in plastics, rubbers and resins. Local officials said the airborne irritant can cause burning of the eyes, nose, mouth and skin. Residents with serious symptoms were advised to go to the emergency room or call 911.
The explosion happened around 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Officials first ordered about 300 people within a half mile of the blast to leave, according to The Guardian. That zone was later widened to a full mile, affecting about 1,000 people.
At a news conference on Wednesday, Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz said residents within one mile were ordered to evacuate. Those within three miles were asked to shelter in place, meaning they should stay indoors with their windows sealed. City officials said Wednesday that, as far as they knew, everyone in the evacuation zone had been moved out. How long the evacuation and shelter orders would remain in effect was not known.
The mayor said the chemical became a gas when it was released and would turn back into a liquid as it settled into the tank. At that point, he said, the risk of an explosion was expected to have ended.
Some Toledo schools were closed on Wednesday, and others delayed opening because of the evacuation, according to NBC News.
One first responder was hurt. CNN reported that the injured responder was a sheriff's deputy who was hurt while responding to the explosion. Officials believe his injuries are not life-threatening. Mayor Kapszukiewicz said the deputy was able to drive himself to the hospital.
An employee at MC Tank Terminal called first responders late Tuesday night. The company specializes in transporting bulk liquid chemicals and also provides tank container transportation, storage and maintenance. MC Tank Terminal executives were on their way to Toledo to assess the situation.
Officials are investigating what caused the explosion.
