Chemical tank explosion in Toledo, Ohio, forces evacuations of hundreds

A chemical tank exploded in Toledo, Ohio, Tuesday night, forcing hundreds of residents to evacuate as officials warned of toxic fumes and possible further blasts.

• A sheriff's deputy was injured responding to the explosion Tuesday night, Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz said.
• The city ordered residents within 1 mile of the blast to evacuate, and more than 900 had left by Wednesday morning.
• Kapszukiewicz said the tank could remain explosive within 12 hours of the incident and that officials do not know what caused it.
• MC Tank Transport said the tank held 5,500 gallons of glycidyl methacrylate, an industrial chemical used in plastics, paints and coatings.
• Authorities also ordered residents within three miles of the explosion to shelter in place, beyond the one-mile evacuation zone.
• Kapszukiewicz said the chemical was released as a gas, can burn the eyes, nose, mouth and skin, and poses an ongoing hazard.
• Authorities declared a state of emergency following the explosion at the M.C. Tank Terminal in North Toledo.
• The sheriff's deputy injured in the blast was hospitalized and is in stable condition, officials said.
• Two Toledo school districts canceled classes Wednesday because of the incident.