Authorities are investigating a tank explosion in Toledo, Ohio, that released a chemical into the air, prompting a mass evacuation in the area.
One person, a first responder, was injured and taken to hospital, but authorities believe his injuries are not life-threatening. They’re also not sure what caused the explosion.
An employee of the MC Tank Terminal company – which specializes in transporting bulk liquid chemicals and provides transportation, storage and maintenance of tank containers – called first responders Tuesday evening to deal with the explosion.
Wade Kapszukiewicz, Toledo’s mayor, announced at a news conference Wednesday that residents within a 1-mile radius of the explosion should evacuate and those within a 3-mile radius should shelter in place with their windows sealed. He said MC Tank Terminal executives were on their way to Toledo to assess the situation.
“We understand the seriousness of what happened here,” Kapszukiewicz said. “That’s why we took the steps that we took. That’s why we’re going to continue to monitor and communicate with the public throughout the day.”
The released chemical was glycidyl methacrylate, an industrial coating product used in plastics, rubbers and resins. Local officials say the airborne irritant can cause burns to the eyes, nose, mouth and skin; They suggested Toledo residents who experience serious symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting, dizziness or confusion, go to the emergency room or call 911.
When the chemical was released in the explosion, it turned into a gas, but when it fell back into the tank, it turned into a liquid again, Kapszukiewicz said at Wednesday’s conference.
“We hope that by that time the risk of explosion will have disappeared and efforts can be made to contain and eliminate the danger,” he said.
Local media in Toledo reported dense, visible fog over the city and a hidden smell of plastic.
The city, which has a population of about 265,000 according to the U.S. Census Bureau, had already issued an evacuation order Tuesday evening for about 300 people who live within a half-mile of the explosion. This was later extended to a full kilometer, evacuating around 1,000 people.
Municipal authorities said Wednesday that to their knowledge, all residents had been evacuated. Kapszukiewicz said officials did not know how long the evacuation and shelter-in-place orders would last.
Residents were asked to contact local businesses and schools located in the evacuation zone for their plans during the evacuation. Some schools were closed Wednesday and others delayed their opening, according to NBC News.
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