Toledo orders more than 900 residents out after M.C. Tank Terminal explosion

Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz says CSX rail lines shut down; one deputy injured

Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz said the tank was believed to still be emitting glycidyl methacrylate. He said the tank had the potential to be explosive within 12 hours of the incident. Dense fog in the area complicated monitoring, and officials said drones could not see the site from above.

At 10:48 p.m., Toledo Fire and Rescue told residents within a one-mile radius of the leak to evacuate. At 4:24 a.m., the department told those within a 3-mile radius to shelter in place by closing all doors and windows and shutting off all ventilation to the outside. The City of Toledo posted the shelter-in-place direction on its website.

City officials said more than 900 residents were ordered to evacuate after the explosion at M.C. Tank Terminal in north Toledo, Ohio. Kapszukiewicz said the explosion happened around 9:30 p.m. EDT Tuesday.

Evacuees were taken to a local elementary school. Public buses were also being used as shelters at a Meijer parking lot. One Lucas County sheriff’s deputy was injured during the response but was able to drive himself to the hospital.

The released substance was glycidyl methacrylate, a colorless liquid with a fruity smell. The chemical is widely used in industrial coatings, resins, adhesives and dental materials. United Press International reported that glycidyl methacrylate can cause irritation and possibly burning in the eyes and that long-term exposure is carcinogenic and can cause cancer.

“Symptoms of overexposure include headache, dizziness, tiredness, nausea and vomiting. Please contact a medical professional if you believe you’re having a reaction to exposure,” the city said. Officials said residents who were exposed should take a shower.

Kapszukiewicz said CSX rail lines in the area were shut down. Someone from CSX offered its own air monitoring.

Kapszukiewicz said M.C. Tank executives were on their way from Arkansas to help officials better understand the dangers. M.C. Tank is based in West Chester, Ohio, and specializes in transporting bulk liquid chemicals and providing tank container transportation, storage and maintenance services, according to its website.