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TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) – Toledo Fire & Rescue reduced an evacuation order to those within a half-mile radius of 1266 Progress Ave. after a hazardous material release Tuesday night. TFRD have also ended the three-mile shelter in place order Wednesday evening.
The fire department said everyone else in the surrounding area to shelter in place by remaining indoors, closing all windows and doors, and turning off ventilation systems that bring in outside air.
City officials said Wednesday afternoon that they will let the reaction complete and the chemical release could continue for several more hours. As long as the venting continues, first responders aren’t able to get closer to the site. The mayor’s 1 p.m. briefing is available to watch in full.
Crews first responded to the leak just before 9:30 p.m. Tuesday.
The chemical in question was glycidyl methacrylate, an industrial chemical used to make certain plastics, paints and coatings perform better, according to a statement from MC Tank Transport. You can read the full statement from the company at the end of this article.
The chemical is considered an irritant and can result cause trouble breathing, watery eyes, and a noticeable taste/smell. It is also a long-term carcinogen. Learn more about the public health advisory at the link here.
The Toledo Lucas County Health Department on Wednesday released a fact sheet about glycidyl methacrylate, embedded at the end of this article.
The U.S. EPA said it’s flammable and came from a 5,500-gallon tank due to an error that happened when the material was being transferred.
TFRD Pvt. Sheldon Collins said a tank was leaking on the ground outside the facility.
At a briefing Wednesday morning, officials said there is one known injury as a result of the incident. A sheriff’s deputy went to the hospital to get checked out but officials described his condition as not serious.
No other injuries or deaths have been reported.
Toledo Public Schools and Washington Local Schools have canceled school for the day.
Surrounding businesses were evacuated Tuesday night. TFRD originally said several streets in the area are blocked off, including Enterprise Boulevard between Stickney Avenue and Benore Road.
The Red Cross and TARTA buses are at Meijer on East Alexis to transport people from the area, according to the City of Toledo. Residents can also go to Shoreland Elementary to evacuate.
Raintree Village mobile home park and the Alexis Addition neighborhood are located within the evacuation zone. Washington Township officials evacuated Raintree Village residents.
TFRD asked the public not to call 911 regarding the HAZMAT leak. Officials say dispatchers are being overloaded with calls about this incident, which is interfering with other emergency calls. If you have questions or need non-emergency help related to the HAZMAT situation, call Engage Toledo instead.
The statement from MC Tank Transport Inc. follows:
“MC Tank Transport Inc., a subsidiary of The Kenan Advantage Group, Inc., confirms that equipment associated with our operations is involved in the hazardous materials incident on Progress Avenue in Toledo, Ohio. The chemical involved in this incident is glycidyl methacrylate, an industrial chemical used to make certain plastics, paints and coatings perform better.
Our immediate and overriding concern is the safety of area residents, emergency responders and our employees.
We are working closely with Toledo Fire & Rescue and other emergency authorities, who are directing the response. We have mobilized additional specialized emergency response resources to assist.
We understand the serious disruption this incident has caused to nearby residents and businesses, particularly those required to evacuate their homes. We are committed to assisting those affected.
We urge everyone in the area to follow all evacuation and shelter-in-place instructions issued by local authorities.
We will provide additional verified information as it becomes available.
Our first priority is protecting people and supporting the emergency response. At this moment, we are working with the American Red Cross to arrange emergency lodging and transportation assistance for displaced residents.” – MC Tank Transport Inc.
Editor’s note: City officials initially identified the source of the hazardous materials release as Sterling Pipe & Tube, but later clarified it actually came from MC Tank Transport Inc. The story has since been update to reflect that change.
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