Explosion Fears in the US, 40,000 Residents Ordered to Evacuate

Authorities in Southern California have ordered nearly 40,000 people to evacuate due to fears of a possible explosion at a chemical tank facility. According to an AFP report published Saturday morning, the situation has been described as critical.

The incident took place in Garden Grove, a city located about 30 miles south of Los Angeles. Multiple media outlets reported that residents have already started leaving their homes in search of safe shelter.

Local fire officials said chemical vapor began leaking Thursday from a 34,000-gallon tank at a manufacturing plant operated by GKN Aerospace. The tank contained methyl methacrylate, a highly flammable chemical used in plastic production.

The Orange County Fire Authority said the situation became more serious on Friday. Although no active gas leak or toxic cloud was detected at the time, officials warned that the tank remains in a critical condition and cannot yet be stabilized.

Authorities fear the tank could fail or explode at any moment. Nearby residents have therefore been urged to move to safer locations immediately.

Several residents said they are terrified for their lives and property, fearing a major disaster if the tank explodes.