Crack in California chemical tank averts ‘catastrophic’ blast but thousands remain evacuated

Officials say still not safe for 16,000 people to return home as crews in Orange county work to neutralize damaged tank

A crack that formed by chance in an overheated chemical tank in southern California relieved pressure and helped avert a catastrophic explosion, but officials said on Tuesday it still was not safe enough for 16,000 people living closest to the aerospace plant to return home.

The crisis forced 50,000 people to evacuate in and near the Orange county city of Garden Grove last week. Most returned home after the crack formed over the Memorial Day weekend, but the risk of a smaller explosion or potential spill kept evacuation orders in place for about a third of residents.