Toledo chemical leak: Evacuation order expanded to 3 miles; here's what happened and latest updates

Authorities in Toledo, Ohio, have issued an emergency evacuation order following a hazardous chemical release at MC Tank Terminal. Toledo Fire & Rescue issued the initial order at 10:48 p.m. on Tuesday, October 20, directing everyone within a one-mile radius of 1266 Progress Ave. to evacuate the area. By 4:24 a.m. on Wednesday, October 21, officials had expanded the affected area to a three-mile radius and instructed residents to shelter in place.

“This means stay where you are, stay indoors, close windows and doors, and turn off ventilation that draws in outside air. Keep pets indoors,” an advisory on the City of Toledo’s website said.

City officials are expected to hold a news conference at 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday to provide further updates. Residents can watch the livestream on Facebook.

What happened in Toledo

As per reports, the incident occurred late Tuesday night in an industrial area near Progress Avenue and Enterprise Boulevard in Toledo. Local reports, as per the Sunday Guardian, linked the incident to the MC Tank terminal area and said Sterling Pipe & Tube had been evacuated. The reports claimed that the material was leaking onto the ground outside a facility.

According to the city's advisory, no injuries or fatalities had been reported at the time of the update. Officials also said there had been no explosion and that the incident involved a hazardous materials release.

As per official information, dense fog and light winds are affecting visibility across Toledo. Authorities have warned residents not to assume that visible fog or haze indicates the presence of the chemical release.

"You can’t tell fog from the release by looking, so please don’t rely on how the air looks. If you are outside the evacuation or shelter-in-place zones and smell an unusual odor, please stay indoors, close windows and doors, and turn off ventilation that draws in outside air," read the advisory.

What Chemical Was Released in Toledo?

Authorities described the released substance as an irritant that can cause burning or irritation of the eyes, nose, mouth and skin.

Potential symptoms of overexposure include headache, dizziness, tiredness, nausea and vomiting. Anyone who believes they have experienced exposure should rinse the affected area and contact a medical professional if they develop symptoms.

Residents should rely on official emergency updates for confirmed information about the substance and the risks associated with the release.

Toledo Chemical Leak: Evacuation and Shelter Zones

The evacuation zone covers a one-mile radius around 1050 Progress Ave., according to the city's safety advisory. Anyone living or working within this area should evacuate immediately. For assistance you can go to Shoreland Elementary School which is designated as a temporary shelter. At the Meijer parking lot off East Alexis Road, Red Cross personnel and TARTA buses are stationed there to provide shelter and transportation as needed.

The shelter-in-place zone covers a three-mile radius around 1050 Progress Ave. As per authorities, people should remain indoors in these areas. In the advisory, authorities asked people to:

• Stay inside and close all windows and doors.
• Turn off ventilation systems that draw outside air indoors.
• Keep pets inside.

Residents told to follow official instructions until authorities announce that the restrictions have been lifted.