Orange County crews crack toxic chemical tank to prevent explosion, reducing catastrophic vapor risk

The Orange County Fire Authority said Monday that crews investigating a crack in a toxic chemical tank have significantly reduced the threat of explosion in Southern California. The crack in the tank eases pressure and helps prevent a leak or explosion, according to officials. While some explosion risk remains, the chance of a more catastrophic vapor explosion has been eliminated. The incident represents an effort to avert a worst-case scenario involving the pressurized chemical storage facility.