Toledo, Ohio, chemical leak caused by employee error

Officials in Toledo, Ohio, have lifted all remaining evacuation orders following a chemical tank rupture at the MC Tank Terminal. Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz announced that the leak, which occurred late Tuesday night, was caused by an employee error during a liquid transfer process. The error introduced a temperature level that triggered a chemical reaction within the tank.

The tank contained glycidyl methacrylate, an industrial chemical used to enhance the performance of plastics, paints, and coatings. While no fire or explosion occurred, the reaction forced hundreds of residents to evacuate and resulted in 57 people receiving hospital treatment.

Following the completion of tank venting on Thursday night, hazmat teams tested safety levels and determined the site is now safe. MC Tank Transport has accepted responsibility for the incident, though an investigation into the event remains ongoing.