Potential Crack Detected in Unstable Chemical Tank at California Aerospace Facility

Crews addressing the chemical emergency at a Southern California aerospace facility discovered a possible crack in an unstable tank. This may be relieving pressure inside the vessel.

In a video update on social media Sunday, Orange County Fire Authority Interim Chief T.J. McGovern explained that specialized teams entered the hazard zone late Saturday night. They visually identified what appeared to be a crack in the tank central to the crisis.

“What they found was a potential crack in the tank, which could potentially be relieving some of the pressure in there,” McGovern said.

Officials are working to verify this discovery. McGovern noted that this could alter the strategy for managing the incident.

The overnight operation marked one of the first successful close-range inspections of the tank. The emergency heightened Thursday night at GKN Aerospace in Garden Grove, where crews have been striving to prevent a catastrophic failure involving methyl methacrylate (MMA), a volatile and flammable plastic epoxy chemical.

The leak occurred at the aerospace manufacturing facility, which produces engine structures and components for commercial and military aircraft.

Authorities had previously warned that the deteriorating tank could either rupture, spilling thousands of gallons of hazardous chemicals, or explode during a “thermal runaway” event. This could trigger neighboring tanks, creating a broader disaster.

Officials suggested the discovery presents a more favorable scenario than initially feared, although the threat persists.

“We’re not there yet, but this was a step in the right direction,” McGovern said.

Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in Orange County as California continues to manage the hazardous chemical incident in Garden Grove.

Over 40,000 residents remain under evacuation orders. Officials continue to monitor temperatures, air quality, and structural conditions around the facility.

Gov. Gavin Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency Saturday as crews shifted from defensive containment operations to high-risk offensive actions aimed at preventing an explosion.

McGovern praised firefighters and hazardous materials specialists involved in the overnight mission. He called the operation successful and emphasized that public safety remains the top priority before residents can return home.

“We want to get you back, but we cannot do that until it’s deemed safe,” he said.

Officials stated that additional updates are expected later Sunday as engineers and hazardous materials experts analyze the new findings.