Residents of California faced a chemical emergency over the Memorial Day weekend, prompting thousands to evacuate their homes. The incident is now the subject of another lawsuit against GKN Aerospace, a United Kingdom-based company. The lawsuit accuses the company of negligence, trespass, and nuisance, claiming it neglected safety protocols despite previous warnings and environmental violations.
This legal action is one of many following an incident involving an overheating storage tank of methyl methacrylate, a flammable chemical. A crack developed in the tank, releasing pressure and preventing a potential explosion. This development allowed most people to return home. However, evacuation orders had impacted several Orange County cities, including Anaheim, Buena Park, Cypress, Garden Grove, Stanton, and Westminster.
During the emergency, California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency. President Donald Trump also issued a federal emergency declaration on the situation. The plaintiffs in the lawsuit argue that chemical vapors and contaminants from the GKN facility invaded their properties, leading to claims of trespass.
The lawsuit seeks compensation for emotional distress, temporary property loss, and a decline in property value due to the chemical stigma. The incident forced around 50,000 people to leave their homes, and numerous lawsuits have emerged in response.
GKN Aerospace, operational in Garden Grove since 1966, manufactures windows and canopies for aircraft and spacecraft. The lawsuit highlights the company’s history of environmental and air quality compliance issues, noting a previous settlement in 2025 over air quality violations.
The Environmental Protection Agency warns that exposure to methyl methacrylate can lead to respiratory problems, neurological issues, and irritation to the skin, eyes, and throat. Media reports indicate that at least 44 lawsuits relate to this incident.
In response, GKN Aerospace has acknowledged the challenge the incident posed, especially during the holiday weekend. Steve Carlin, Senior Vice President at GKN, expressed the company’s commitment to understanding the events and finding ways to aid those affected.
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