Toledo chemical tank explosion prompts evacuation and shelter orders
publishers 34articles 41first reported 21 Oct, 02:29 UTCdeveloping since 21 Oct · 8 editions
A chemical tank exploded at a facility in north Toledo, Ohio, around 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, releasing glycidyl methacrylate and prompting evacuation and shelter-in-place orders.
The city ordered everyone within one mile of the site to leave and directed people between one and three miles away to remain indoors with windows closed. Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz said Wednesday morning that more than 900 people lived in the evacuation area and officials believed they had all left. Toledo Public Schools and Washington Local Schools closed amid the response.
A sheriff’s deputy was injured while responding and drove himself to a hospital. Officials described the injuries as non-life-threatening. The cause of the explosion was not immediately known.
MC Tank Transport said glycidyl methacrylate is an industrial chemical used in plastics, paints and coatings. Officials said it is a liquid in the tank but becomes a gas when released. Exposure can cause burning of the eyes, nose, mouth and skin; heavier exposure can cause headaches, dizziness, fatigue, nausea and vomiting. Residents experiencing symptoms were advised to seek medical assistance.
Kapszukiewicz said the tank could hold 5,500 gallons and might remain at risk of another explosion for 12 hours after the initial incident. Hazmat crews initially kept their distance because of that danger. Heavy fog delayed drone monitoring Wednesday morning, though officials said the fog was unrelated to the release.
HOW THIS STORY WAS MADE
Written from 8 articles, 2 with the publisher's own text; 8 independent newsrooms once syndicated copies count as one; this version written 12 h after the record first saw the story; the editor kept it as written.
- Publishers
- 34
- Source articles
- 41
- Given to the writer
- 8, 2 with the article's own text
- Independent newsrooms
- 8
- This version written
- 12 h after the record first saw the story
- Second model (editor)
- kept as written
- Publication gate
- passed
- Human review
- none
WHAT THE EDITOR DID
The second model checked the writer's draft against the same sources and published it as written.
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