In Garden Grove, Orange County, Southern California, looters have begun targeting homes abandoned due to a hazardous chemical leak in the city. The New York Post (NYP) reported on this development.
It is reported that as many as 50,000 city residents were compelled to evacuate their homes due to the threat of a chemical disaster. Vagrants have taken advantage of this situation, moving into the residential buildings lining the deserted streets. Authorities have already announced seven arrests in connection with these incidents.
The incident occurred on May 21st at the GKN Aerospace plant in Garden Grove. Pressure within a 7,000-gallon tank containing methyl methacrylate rose due to the substance overheating. This led to the formation of toxic fumes. Despite rescue efforts to cool the tank with water, the risk of a leak or explosion remained. A population evacuation was initiated.
On May 24th, California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in Orange County amidst the hazardous chemical situation. The county’s Fire Chief, Craig Covey, stated that this could potentially be one of the most severe chemical incidents in California’s history, warning that the situation was on the verge of a chemical catastrophe.
According to NBC News, the immediate threat has since passed. The risk of an explosion in the tank was mitigated after the internal temperature decreased, thanks to a crack that formed.
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