GKN Aerospace Issues Statement on Garden Grove Chemical Tank Incident

GKN Aerospace, a UK-based company, issued a statement Sunday addressing a chemical tank incident in Garden Grove, Orange County. The 34,000-gallon tank contains methyl methacrylate and began heating uncontrollably last week, prompting concerns it could explode or rupture.

The company stated it is monitoring the material and working with the Orange County Fire Authority, the EPA, OSHA, and other agencies. "We are acutely aware of the uncertainty this incident is causing and sincerely apologise for the ongoing disruption to the local community," the statement read.

Officials evacuated about 40,000 residents from the area and placed them in shelters. About 65 percent of those residents have since returned after officials reported temperatures began cooling due to a crack in the tank. The incident prompted a county-wide state of emergency.

GKN Aerospace said its priority is the safe resolution of the incident so residents can return home as quickly as possible.

Response and Next Steps Orange County Rep.

Derek Tran has called for a deep investigation into the company. Several law firms have said they will seek class-action suits to compensate affected residents. GKN Aerospace describes itself as a global technology leader in the aerospace industry.