An aerospace company, facing a chemical emergency that led to mass evacuations in California over Memorial Day, now encounters a lawsuit. This legal case claims negligence by United Kingdom-based GKN Aerospace. Allegations include failing to maintain safety protocols, despite past warnings and environmental violations.
The lawsuit is one among many following an incident involving a storage tank containing flammable methyl methacrylate (MMA). The malfunctioning tank overheated over the Memorial Day weekend and resulted in evacuation orders across several Orange County cities. A crack in the tank relieved pressure, preventing a potential explosion, allowing many evacuees to return home.
State of Emergency Declared
Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in response to the incident in Garden Grove. Reports indicate that 50,000 people were ordered to evacuate areas including Anaheim, Buena Park, Cypress, Garden Grove, Stanton, and Westminster.
The lawsuit’s trespass claim is significant, asserting that chemical vapors and contaminants intruded on the community’s property. Plaintiffs seek unspecified damages for emotional distress and property devaluation due to the chemical incident.
History of Violations
The Garden Grove facility, operational since 1966, manufactures windows and canopies for aircraft and spacecraft. The lawsuit notes a past regulatory history, specifically a 2025 settlement on air quality violations causing significant penalties. It argues that the company’s history should have prompted stricter safety practices.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, exposure to MMA can cause serious health issues, including respiratory and neurological problems.
Company Response
GKN Aerospace’s Senior Vice President, Steve Carlin, apologized for the situation and stressed the company’s commitment to understanding the incident and supporting affected individuals. The company has not yet issued a detailed comment regarding the legal case.
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