Today's Edition
LOS ANGELES (AFP)
The threat of a toxic chemical tank explosion in Southern California has subsided enough to allow some of the 50,000 residents who were evacuated to return to their homes, officials said late Monday.
Garden Grove Police Chief Amir El-Farra said the downsizing of the evacuation zone came after new data and discussions with subject matter experts.
"For those that remain impacted, I know this may be frustrating. That number is approximately 16,000 of you. Please understand that we are doing this for your safety, and we will continue to work diligently," El-Farra said.
Concerns that the flammable chemical in the tank could explode or leak toxic fumes prompted authorities on Friday to order evacuations in the heavily populated Garden Grove area of Orange County, southeast of Los Angeles and about five miles from Disneyland.
The tank contains 7,000 gallons (26,000 liters) of methyl methacrylate, a volatile liquid used to make plastics.
The crisis began late last week when authorities detected a leak in the tank, and subsequently a crack, though they did not say if the two were related.
"There is currently no active leak, and continuous live atmospheric monitoring confirms there are no chemicals leaking," county fire officials said late Sunday.
