Chemical leak in Ohio prompts evacuations, shelter-in-place order lifted

TOLEDO, Ohio (WDIV, GOV) – A chemical tank rupture near the Ohio-Michigan border resulted in evacuations and shelter-in-place orders on Wednesday.

According to a report by WDIV, the leak was reported Tuesday night at the MC Tank Transport, Inc. in Toledo, Ohio.

The report goes on to say the city’s mayor, Wade Kapszukiewics, confirmed Wednesday that the chemical released was glycidyl methacrylate, an industrial coating product considered to be a potential carcinogen to humans.

Kapszukiewics stated the level of exposure was not cause for alarm but that there is still a potential risk that the tank could explode.

An evacuation order was in place for residents within a half-mile radius of the incident. According to an update Thursday morning by the city, Toledo Fire and Rescue reduced the evacuation zone around the ongoing incident to a quarter-mile radius.

The city states residents and businesses within the area must remain evacuated as of Thursday morning. Those who are outside of the revised evacuation area may return home and to places of business, according to the city.

As of Thursday morning, the city states the shelter-in-place order has been lifted.

Further updates can be found here.

During a press conference on Wednesday, the mayor stated the cause of the leak had not yet been determined.