Ohio Mayor: Employee Error Caused Chemical Leak, Evacuations Lifted

Officials in northeast Ohio announced Friday that a chemical tank leak earlier in the week was caused by an employee error that led to a chemical reaction, and all remaining evacuation orders have been lifted. The rupture occurred late Tuesday night at MC Tank Terminal.

Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz stated during a news conference that the venting of the tank was completed late Thursday night. This allowed a hazmat team to enter the site and confirm that safety levels were acceptable. "At this time, we do feel confident that the site is safe," said Toledo Fire and Rescue Battalion Chief Blake Molnar.

The tank contained glycidyl methacrylate, an industrial chemical used in the production of certain plastics, paints, and coatings. The incident initially forced hundreds of people from their homes, and 57 individuals were treated at local hospitals.

The mayor explained that the incident began when an employee introduced an incorrect temperature level to the tank during a liquid transfer process, triggering a chemical reaction. MC Tank Transport, the owner of the facility, has "accepted responsibility" for the incident, Kapszukiewicz added.

"There was no fire, there was no explosion. There was a very serious chemical reaction, which now happily has run its course, and we’re now finally able to return to some level of normalcy here in our community," the mayor said. He noted that while the immediate danger has passed, some questions remain unanswered as the investigation continues.