Chemicals Shoot Into The Sky When Leak Prompts Evacuations In OC

ORANGE COUNTY, CA — A hazardous leak in Orange County triggered evacuation orders "out of an abundance of caution."

The incident was reported shortly before 5:45 p.m., when a large holding tank leaked in Garden Grove, shooting toxic chemicals into the air..

A34,000-gallon tank spewed toxic chemicals high above an industrial complex Thursday afternoon at the GKN Aerospace facility, according to the Orange County Fire Authority.

Areas north of Garden Grove Boulevard, east of Monarch Street, south of Orangewood and west of Beach Boulevard were evacuated, firefighters said. The evacuation orders were lifted several hours later by 9 p.m. Thursday

The area is home to a series of autobody, aerospace and industrial buildings as well. Outside the industrial complex and included in the evacuation orders were a series of large apartment complexes.

Just outside the evacuation zone sits Pacifica High School.

Evacuated residents were told to reunite with family or friends at Rancho Alamitos High School, 11351 Dale Street.

No further information was immediately available.