Garden Grove, 23 May 2026

Approximately 40,000 residents in Southern California's Garden Grove area were evacuated on May 23, 2026, due to a dangerous chemical leak posing explosion risks.

A storage tank containing up to 26,500 liters of methyl methacrylate, a highly flammable and toxic chemical, is at risk of rupturing or exploding, according to local fire officials.

Craig Covey of the local fire department stated, 'Er könnte Risse bekommen und auslaufen, oder er könnte explodieren' (It could crack and leak, or it could explode), highlighting the imminent danger.

The evacuation order affects a densely populated area southeast of Los Angeles, with authorities urging compliance for public safety.

Methyl methacrylate is used in manufacturing plastics and adhesives but poses severe health risks if inhaled or exposed to skin.