OC toxic tank on path to spill or explode; crews find crack in tank that could be relieving pressure

The Orange County District Attorney's Office has established an anonymous tip hotline and online reporting form to gather information on the chemical tank crisis unfolding in Garden Grove.

The incident has forced the evacuation of 50,000 Orange County residents as a tank containing an extremely toxic chemical remains under threat of exploding or spilling at GKN Aerospace.

Anyone with information related to the circumstances of what led up to the incident, including but not limited to specific details of the release, information about the industrial operations of the facility, the quality and frequency of maintenance of the tanks and systems at issue and any other relevant information at GKN Aerospace Transparency Systems, is encouraged to call the Orange County District Attorney Anonymous Tip Hotline at 714-347-8714 or fill out an anonymous online form at www.ocdistrictattorney.gov.

Anonymous tips can also be emailed to tipster@ocdistrictattorney.gov.

The DA's office says the information submitted will assist law enforcement in investigating the origin of the tank crisis and identifying those responsible.

For now, it's unknown what caused the methyl methacrylate in the tank to begin overheating.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass says city officials are closely monitoring a chemical tank crisis unfolding in Garden Grove, impacting tens of thousands of Orange County residents.

Bass says the Los Angeles Fire Department has confirmed that the city of Los Angeles is not affected and there is no risk to the city.

"The LAFD remains in close contact with the Orange County Fire Authority and Cal OES and is sending a Hazmat Specialist who will serve as a subject matter expert," Bass wrote in a statement on social media. "The LAFD is on standby, ready to offer any further assistance and resources should they be needed. All Angelenos should avoid the area."

Rideshare app Uber is offering support for Orange County residents impacted by the chemical tank emergency in Garden Grove.

Uber is offering all impacted residents traveling to temporary shelters free rides up to $40.

"We're in close contact with local officials and emergency responders and want to help make sure anyone who needs to get to safety has access to transportation," said Ramona Prieto, Uber's Head of Policy and Communications for the Western U.S. "As the situation continues to evolve, we stand ready to support impacted communities however we can."

The discount applies to rides requested from designated locations within the evacuation order and heading to the following locations:

• Freedom Hall at Mile Square Regional Park: 16801 Euclid Street, Fountain Valley
• John F. Kennedy High School: 8281 Walker Street, La Palma
• Savanna High School: 301 North Gilbert Street, Anaheim
• Oceanview High School: 17071 Gothard Street, Huntington Beach
• Garden Grove Sports & Recreation Center:13641 Deodara Dr, Garden Grove
• Cypress Community Center: 5700 Orange Ave, Cypress

To redeem the discount, riders must apply the promo code "OCSAFE26" in the wallet section of their Uber app prior to requesting the ride. The offer is valid for two trips per rider, up to $40 per ride, through May 25. Driver earnings will not be affected by the discount, though the promo code does not apply to tips.

Approximately 50,000 Orange County residents across Garden Grove, West Anaheim, Cypress and Stanton are under a mandatory evacuation order due to an unstable chemical tank at GKN Aerospace.

Authorities say the tank will likely either spill thousands of gallons of a highly toxic chemical or, even worse, explode if it fails.

The following is a list of evacuation shelters available to impacted residents:

Oceanview High School
17071 Gothard Street, Huntington Beach, CA 92647 - (714) 848-0656

John F. Kennedy High School
8281 Walker Street, La Palma, CA 90623 - (714) 220-4101

Mile Square Regional Park - Freedom Hall
16801 Euclid Street, Fountain Valley, CA 92708 - (714) 973-6600

Savanna High School
301 N. Gilbert St. Anaheim, CA 92801

Golden West College - Gymnasium (North Entrance)
15744 Goldenwest Street, Huntington Beach, CA 92647 - (714) 628-7060 (Public Hotline)

Visit ocsheriff.gov and ggcity.org to see their availability. All locations accept pets except for Golden West College.

Residents can call the Orange County Public Information Hotline at (714) 628-7085.