Evacuation area around Toledo chemical tank leak is reduced as
conditions improve
[October 23, 2026]
TOLEDO, Ohio (AP) Seven people remained hospitalized in
northeast Ohio on Thursday as authorities continued to respond to the
aftermath of a chemical tank leak earlier in the week that sent a white
plume billowing into the air.
Toledo Fire & Rescue said the seven, none in serious condition, were
among 57 people treated in hospitals since the tank ruptured at MC Tank
Terminal on Tuesday, forcing hundreds of people from their homes and
businesses. Officials have reduced the evacuation zone from a half-mile
radius around the MC Tank Terminal site to a quarter-mile radius.
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A plume of smokes rises from MC Tank Transport Inc., where a chemical
tank exploded overnight, prompting hundreds of residents to evacuate or
shelter in place amid concerns about a potential toxic release,
Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026, in north Toledo, Ohio. (Jeremy Wadsworth/The
Blade via AP) |
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The evacuation order is to remain in place for the smaller zone
until the risk of explosion has passed, authorities said in a
statement, but residents and businesses outside the area can
return. An earlier shelter-in-place order was lifted Wednesday
evening.
The Toledo-Lucas County Health Department has issued guidance,
including for the handling of ventilation systems, food,
clothing and pets, for residents returning home. Local health
officials are also developing guidance for food-related
businesses to safely reopen. The Ohio State University Extension
office has recommended that any produce or crops that were
outside within the 3-mile (4.8-kilometer) shelter-in-place zone
be discarded.
The city also plans to clean outdoor playgrounds within the
zone.
The rupture happened late Tuesday night. MC Tank Transport, the
owner of the site, said the tank contained glycidyl methacrylate,
which it described as an industrial chemical used to make
certain plastics, paints and coatings perform better.
City leaders were allowing the chemical to vent instead of
trying to stop the leak, saying that would be more dangerous.
The statement said the tank was still releasing material
Thursday but that it had slowed significantly and the tank
temperature continued to drop.
The explosion risk decreases as the tank pressure decreases, and
crews were preparing to enter with hopes of transitioning
control of the site back to the owner for cleanup on Thursday,
the statement said.
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