DID Press: Authorities in the US state of California have declared an emergency after a damaged toxic chemical storage tank began leaking, prompting the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents.
Officials in Garden Grove in Orange County said around 40,000 residents were ordered to leave their homes after a chemical leak was detected on Friday.
The incident occurred after a storage tank containing hazardous chemicals developed a leak, releasing fumes and vapors that spread across populated areas near the Disneyland resort region.
Orange County Fire Authority interim chief TJ McGovern said in a video statement that firefighters inspecting the site observed a possible crack in the tank, which may be reducing internal pressure.
Officials have not yet confirmed the exact cause of the leak or whether the crack is directly responsible for the release of chemicals.
Authorities said the tank contains around 7,000 gallons (over 26,000 liters) of methyl methacrylate, a highly flammable and volatile substance commonly used in plastic production.