The FBI has executed a search warrant at a facility in Southern California where an overheated chemical tank led to the evacuation of approximately 50,000 residents last month due to explosion fears. The warrant, authorized by a federal judge last week, allows investigators to seize documents related to the storage, use, and disposal of methyl methacrylate, a highly flammable chemical involved in the incident. Investigators are also looking for samples from any containers that may have held methyl methacrylate or other hazardous substances, as well as records concerning cooling systems used to manage the chemical's temperature.
This search warrant is part of an ongoing investigation into the May 21 incident at the GKN facility in Orange County, where an estimated 6,000 to 7,000 gallons of methyl methacrylate became unstable. The chemical is commonly used in the production of plastics and coatings, including Plexiglas and dental prosthetics. Authorities had ordered the evacuation of residents in Garden Grove and Stanton due to concerns about a potential explosion or toxic release. The emergency was resolved when a crack formed in the tank, allowing pressure to dissipate.
Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer stated that the federal inquiry follows an investigation already being conducted by his office, expressing support for the federal involvement to ensure affected residents receive appropriate restitution.