From The Boston Globe · · 1m 20s
Chemical Tank Explosion Forces Toledo Evacuations
Toledo residents evacuate as chemical leak plumes into air after ruptured tank.
In brief
Toledo residents evacuate as chemical leak plumes into air after ruptured tank. Toledo residents evacuated after a ruptured chemical tank released a toxic plume, with officials allowing the leak to vent to avoid explosion risks. Originally reported by The Boston Globe.
Chemical Tank Rupture
A ruptured chemical tank billowed a white plume into the air for hours Wednesday, forcing hundreds of residents to evacuate due to fears of toxic release and possible explosion.
Over 50,000 Residents Advised to Stay Indoors
More than 50,000 people in Toledo were advised to stay indoors as a precaution against the chemical leak.
City Allows Plume to Vent
City leaders allowed the chemical to vent instead of stopping the leak, saying it would be more dangerous to attempt containment.
Residents Report Symptoms
Some residents felt eye and throat irritation, and one sheriff’s deputy drove himself to a hospital due to unwellness.
Mark White Jr. Evacuates
Mark White Jr., who lives within the affected area, evacuated to a shelter after waking to a burning plastic smell due to his asthma.
Chemical Composition
The tank contained glycidyl methacrylate, an industrial chemical used to make plastics, paints, and coatings perform better.
Health Department Advises
Health officials advised residents to close windows and take showers if they felt eye irritation, as testing continued for air toxicity levels.
The takeaway
Toledo residents evacuated after a ruptured chemical tank released a toxic plume, with officials allowing the leak to vent to avoid explosion risks.
