Following a six-day chemical crisis that led to the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents in Orange County, elected officials are demanding accountability from GKN Aerospace. On May 28, members of the Orange County Board of Supervisors requested compensation for those affected by the evacuation due to an overheating chemical tank at the company's Garden Grove facility, which posed a risk of explosion.
U.S. Representatives Robert Garcia and Derek Tran sent a letter to GKN CEO Peter Dilnot seeking clarification on the events that led to the crisis and the company's response. Tran emphasized the need for recovery and accountability, stating that GKN leadership must address the community's concerns.
GKN Senior Vice President Steve Carlin expressed the company's commitment to understanding the incident and supporting those affected. However, the statement did not provide specific details about the cause of the crisis or the company's plans for future support.
According to O.C. Fire Authority Interim Chief TJ McGovern, the crisis was triggered by a failure in the cooling equipment for methyl methacrylate tanks, which could have led to a boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion (BLEVE). Fortunately, the tank cracked, relieving some pressure and allowing crews to stabilize the situation.
Despite the resolution of the immediate crisis, concerns about GKN's management of the facility persist. Garcia stated that GKN Aerospace exposed the community to significant risks and demanded answers on how to prevent future incidents. The representatives have requested documentation from GKN by June 10, including inspection records and emergency protocols.
Additionally, Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer has initiated a criminal investigation into the incident, and multiple lawsuits have been filed against GKN in response to the evacuations. The Board of Supervisors is collaborating with the California Office of Emergency Services to address the situation.
