Chemical tank explosion in Toledo, Ohio prompts evacuation of about 1,000 people within a one-mile zone

Officials are investigating a tank explosion in Toledo, Ohio, that released a chemical into the air and prompted a mass evacuation in the area.

One person, a first responder, was injured and taken to hospital, but officials believe the injuries are not life-threatening. They are also unsure about the cause of the explosion.

An employee at MC Tank Terminal — a company specialising in transporting bulk liquid chemicals, providing tank container transportation, storage and maintenance — called first responders late on Tuesday night after the explosion.

Toledo’s mayor, Wade Kapszukiewicz, announced at a news conference on Wednesday that residents within a one-mile radius of the explosion needed to evacuate, while those within three miles were asked to shelter in place with their windows sealed. He said executives from MC Tank Terminal were on their way to Toledo to assess the situation.

Kapszukiewicz said they understand the seriousness of what has happened, which is why they took the actions they did, and that they will continue to monitor and communicate with the public throughout the day.

The chemical released was glycidyl methacrylate, an industrial coating product used in plastics, rubbers and resins. Local officials say the airborne irritant can cause burning of the eyes, nose, mouth and skin, and they have advised Toledo residents who experience serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting, dizziness or confusion to go to the emergency room or call 911.

The mayor said at Wednesday’s conference that when the chemical was released in the explosion it became a gas, but when it settles back into the tank it will turn into a liquid again. He said the hope is that at that point the risk of explosion will have expired and efforts can be made to contain and eliminate the hazard.

Local news outlets in Toledo have reported a visible, dense fog over the town and a lingering plastic-like odour.

The city, which has a population of roughly 265,000 according to the US Census Bureau, had already issued an evacuation order on Tuesday night for about 300 people living within half a mile of the explosion. That was later expanded to a full mile, evacuating about 1,000 people.

City officials said on Wednesday that, as far as they knew, all residents had been evacuated. Kapszukiewicz said officials were unsure how long the evacuation and shelter orders would last.

Residents were asked to communicate with local businesses and schools within the evacuation zone to learn their plans. According to NBC News, some schools were closed on Wednesday and others delayed their opening.

How long it takes for the situation to return to normal, and what caused the explosion, may only become clear once the investigation is complete. Until then, Toledo residents must follow the authorities’ instructions.