A tank explosion at MC Tank Transport in north Toledo, Ohio, released a toxic chemical cloud overnight Tuesday into Wednesday, forcing hundreds of residents from their homes and prompting a shelter-in-place order covering a three-mile radius.
The explosion happened around 9:30 PM Tuesday. The tank contained glycidyl methacrylate, a chemical used in making plastics, paints and coatings. Heavy fog and calm winds that night created near-zero visibility in parts of the city, making it harder for first responders to track how far the cloud had spread.
Toledo Fire & Rescue ordered roughly 900 residents living within a mile of the site to evacuate at 10:48 PM Tuesday. As the response escalated, officials at 4:24 AM Wednesday expanded the order, telling everyone within three miles to shelter in place, close their windows and doors, and shut off any ventilation systems pulling in outside air. The evacuation order also closed Toledo Public Schools and WLS.
Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz said Wednesday morning that the damaged tank may still be leaking the chemical and remains potentially explosive. Hazmat crews are on scene and working to determine when it will be safe to approach.
The cause of the explosion has not been determined and remains under investigation.
