The aerospace company at the heart of a recent chemical emergency in California is facing a lawsuit. The incident forced thousands of residents to evacuate their homes during the Memorial Day weekend.
The lawsuit claims United Kingdom’s GKN Aerospace acted negligently. It accuses the company of failing to maintain safety protocols despite past regulatory warnings and environmental violations. The emergency was triggered by a malfunctioning storage tank containing flammable methyl methacrylate (MMA). This tank overheated, leading to evacuation orders across several Orange County cities.
A crack formed in the tank, relieving pressure and averting a major explosion. This allowed many evacuees to return home. At the time, Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in Orange County. The incident required ongoing responses to the chemical threat in Garden Grove.
Gov. Gavin Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency in Orange County as California continues to respond to the hazardous chemical incident in Garden Grove. (Ethan Swope/AP)
The plaintiffs highlight a ‘trespass’ claim, saying that chemical vapors and odors entered their community. This, they argue, represents an invasion of property. They are seeking compensation for emotional distress and loss of property use, along with punitive damages for reduced property value due to chemical stigma.
During the emergency, around 50,000 people in areas like Anaheim and Buena Park had to leave their homes. The GKN Aerospace facility, operational since 1966, is located in Garden Grove. Despite the crisis, nearby Disneyland remained open as the evacuation zone shrank.
Evacuees from an aerospace chemical plant tank leak moved to another shelter after the Garden Grove Sports and Recreation Center closed for the night in Garden Grove, Calif., on May 22, 2026. (Ethan Swope/AP)
Former President Donald Trump responded by issuing a federal emergency declaration. The lawsuit further accuses GKN of disregarding the safety of residents. It mentions the company’s failure to maintain adequate safety systems despite awareness of the risks associated with MMA and facility operations.
The Garden Grove facility manufactures parts for commercial and military aircraft and spacecraft. It had a regulatory history regarding environmental and air quality issues. In 2025, the facility faced air quality violations that led to a significant civil penalty.
Plaintiffs are informed and believe that this prior history placed Defendants on additional notice that their hazardous materials operations required strict compliance, careful monitoring, and conservative safety practices, the complaint states.
Exposure to MMA can cause severe respiratory and neurological issues. At least 44 lawsuits have been filed related to this incident. GKN has issued an apology for the emergency.
Steve Carlin, GKN’s Senior Vice President at the Garden Grove site, acknowledged the challenges faced by the community, especially over Memorial Day. He expressed the company’s commitment to understanding the incident and supporting those affected.