Chemical tank explosion prompts evacuation, shelter-in-place orders in Ohio city
Evacuation and shelter-in-place orders remain in effect on Wednesday.
Evacuation and shelter-in-place orders remain in effect in Toledo, Ohio, after a chemical tank explosion at a business caused the release of a hazardous chemical, according to city officials.
An "error" caused the chemical to leak into the air, according to Bryant Somerville, a spokesperson for the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency.
"The release has been confirmed as Glycidyl Methacrylate, which is classified as flammable and has a noticeable odor. It came from a 5,500-gallon tank because of an error that occurred when the material was being transferred," Somerville said in a statement.
Residents and motorists have been urged to avoid the area of Enterprise Blvd. and Progress Ave., according to city officials.
Roughly 1,000 people live in that zone and were evacuated. Residents in a three-mile zone are being advised to shelter in place.
The evacuation order was sent out at 10:48 p.m. on Tuesday for everyone within a 1-mile radius to evacuate because of the hazardous material release, according to the city.
At 4:24 a.m., everyone within a 3-mile radius was ordered to shelter in place, according to the city.
Both orders remain active as of Wednesday afternoon.
Residents have been instructed to remain indoors, close all windows and doors and turn off all ventilation systems that bring in outside air, according to the city.
Any residents outside the 3-mile radius who smell an odor are instructed to stay indoors, close windows and doors and turn off ventilation that draws in outside air, the city said.
The chemical released is glycidyl methacrylate, "an irritant that can cause burning of the eyes, nose, mouth, and skin.," according to the city.
Anyone exposed to the chemical should shower or rinse the affected area. Symptoms of overexposure include headache, dizziness, tiredness, nausea and vomiting, the city said.
If you believe you are having a reaction to exposure, city officials urge you to contact a medical professional.
Emergency shelter locations have been set up at the Meijer parking lot on Alexis Road and Shoreland Elementary School, according to the city.
MC Tank Transport released a statement confirming its equipment was involved in the explosion. The company said the industrial chemical glycidyl methacrylate is used to make certain plastics, paints and coatings perform better.
"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," the company said in a statement.
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