California Declares Emergency over Toxic Chemical Leak Threat

The US state of California has declared a state of emergency in Orange County over the risk of a toxic chemical leak at an industrial facility.

Governor Gavin Newsom said authorities were supporting local emergency teams as thousands of residents faced evacuation orders.

Around 40,000 people were evacuated due to fears that containers at a facility operated by GKN Aerospace Transparency could explode or release dangerous chemicals.

Emergency crews have been working since May 21 to prevent a rupture involving methyl methacrylate, a highly flammable chemical used in polymer manufacturing.

Local media reported that overheating containers at the site could release more than 2,600 liters of toxic material, raising concerns over hazardous fumes and a potential large-scale explosion.