Nearly 1,000 People Evacuated After Chemical Explosion In Red State

A hazardous materials release involving glycidyl methacrylate occurred at the MC Tank Transport facility on Progress Avenue in Toledo, Ohio on Tuesday evening, prompting the evacuation of 983 residents within a one-mile radius and a shelter-in-place order for those within three miles.

Toledo Fire & Rescue issued the evacuation order at 10:48 p.m. Tuesday following reports of the release, which began around 9:30 p.m. A shelter-in-place directive followed at 4:24 a.m. Wednesday. Both orders remained active as of midday on October 21, according to the City of Toledo.

The chemical originated from a tank with a capacity of 5,500 gallons at the terminal, which handles liquid bulk transport. Glycidyl methacrylate is an industrial chemical used to improve the performance of certain plastics, paints, and coatings.

Stored as a liquid, it becomes a gas upon release and is classified as an irritant capable of causing burning of the eyes, nose, mouth, and skin. Overexposure can produce a wide range of symptoms including, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency stated that the release resulted from an error that occurred when the material was being transferred.

Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz described the incident as an explosion of the chemical tank during a press conference on Wednesday. “There is still concern that the tank is emitting this chemical and it has the potential within 12 hours of the incident to be explosive,” the mayor said.

“We don’t know what caused this. We just know we’re responding to it,” he added.

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An evacuation has been started in Toledo Ohio after a chemical leak from a steel tubing manufacturer. It causes respiratory issues along with eye and lung irritation.

These symptoms and images are from outside the evacuation area. pic.twitter.com/3PHjyapA7V

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City spokesperson Rachel Hart later indicated that no explosion occurred, characterizing the event as a release of glycidyl methacrylate from a tanker that produced a large plume. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reported that attempts by the fire department to contain the release were not successful, that the tank has been compromised, and that the chemical within the tank is completing a reaction.

The city determined that the safest course of action is to let the reaction complete. Officials indicated this process could require an additional six to 16 hours. First responders and hazardous materials teams have maintained distance from the tank due to potential volatility.

No serious injuries have been reported, though one deputy suffered a minor injury while responding and transported himself to a local hospital. In addition, approximately 30 people were evaluated or treated at ProMedica facilities for symptoms potentially related to the release. Affected neighborhoods included Raintree Village and Alexis Addition.

MC Tank Transport Inc., a subsidiary of The Kenan Advantage Group, confirmed that equipment associated with its operations was involved. “Our immediate and overriding concern is the safety of area residents, emergency responders and our employees. We are working closely with Toledo Fire & Rescue and other emergency authorities, who are directing the response. We have mobilized additional specialized emergency response resources to assist. We understand the serious disruption this incident has caused to nearby residents and businesses, particularly those required to evacuate their homes. We are committed to assisting those affected. We urge everyone in the area to follow all evacuation and shelter-in-place instructions issued by local authorities,” the company said in a statement.

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