More than 30 lawsuits filed against aerospace company in California over damaged chemical tank

GKN Aerospace faces a wave of over 30 lawsuits following a chemical tank incident that necessitated the evacuation of approximately 50,000 residents in California's Orange County. The tank, containing methyl methacrylate, overheated last month, raising fears of a catastrophic explosion.

Residents like Debbie Cohran, who lives near the Garden Grove facility, reported experiencing nausea and headaches after the leak. Her lawsuit claims she was not alerted to evacuate until hours after the incident began. Another plaintiff, Melanie Rose Burciaga, had to leave the hospital shortly after giving birth due to evacuation orders, according to her lawyer.

Over 100 individuals and local businesses are suing the U.K.-based company, alleging negligence in maintaining a safe facility, particularly given its location in a populated area. Ten class-action lawsuits have been filed in federal court, alongside 21 in state court. GKN Aerospace stated it respects the legal process and will respond to the lawsuits "in due course."

Adding to the pressure, FBI agents recently searched the facility for evidence related to the storage, use, or disposal of the chemical. The Environmental Protection Agency has joined the investigation into potential federal environmental crimes. GKN Aerospace, which manufactures aircraft components like cockpit windows, has not commented further on the ongoing investigations.

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GKN respects the legal process and will respond to these lawsuits in due course.