@remembertheirname_: More than 36 hours after a hazardous chemical leak began in Toledo, Ohio, glycidyl methacrylate continues leaking from a damaged tank. However, officials say the release has slowed significantly, bringing some progress in the ongoing emergency. The evacuation zone has now been reduced as crews continue monitoring the situation and working to protect the public. According to Lucas County Emergency Management, the evacuation area was reduced Thursday morning from a half-mile radius to a quarter-mile radius around the leak site. The original evacuation zone covered a one-mile radius when the emergency began. Residents living closest to the damaged tank must still evacuate, while people cleared to return home are being advised to follow guidance from local health officials. The City of Toledo has also provided resources for residents affected by the evacuation. The emergency shelter at Shoreland Elementary School closed Tuesday night after everyone who had evacuated found other accommodations. Toledo Public Schools announced that Ottawa River Elementary School would offer voluntary early dismissal Thursday after students reported headaches and noticed an unusual smell in a hallway. Although the school is outside the active evacuation zone, officials say the decision was made as a precaution. Students may remain at school, but outdoor recess has been canceled. Parents picking up their children must show photo identification and follow the school's normal sign-out procedures. Students who leave early because of the incident will receive an excused absence. 57 PEOPLE TREATED AT HOSPITALS A City of Toledo spokesperson confirmed that 57 people have received medical treatment for symptoms associated with the chemical leak. Most patients have already been treated and released. As of Thursday morning, seven people remained under medical care, and officials reported that none were experiencing serious complications. The Environmental Protection Agency is monitoring air quality around the evacuation zone. Officials are using those readings to help determine when it is safe to reduce restrictions further. WARNING FOR RESIDENTS NEAR THE SITE People living within three miles of MC Tank Transport have been advised by Ohio State University Extension to discard produce and crops that were left outdoors. City crews also plan to clean playgrounds within that same area. Residents should follow official health department instructions before returning home or using outdoor spaces. The emergency began Tuesday night at MC Tank Transport Inc., located at 1266 Progress Avenue in Toledo, where glycidyl methacrylate began releasing from a compromised tank. Environmental experts determined that attempts to contain the leak had failed. Officials decided to allow the chemical reaction to finish before HAZMAT crews could safely approach the tank and address the problem. According to the city, the release has now slowed considerably, and the tank's temperature is also decreasing. These changes are reducing the risk of an explosion, allowing workers to prepare for entry into the site. HAZMAT crews and federal, state and local agencies continue working together to assess the danger and determine the next steps. Officials emphasize that the emergency remains active and that protecting residents and emergency responders is the top priority. The situation is improving, but the danger has not completely passed. Residents should continue following official evacuation orders, safety instructions and updates from local authorities. #ToledoOhio #ToledoChemicalLeak #BreakingNews #OhioNews #ChemicalLeak

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Thursday 22 October 2026 17:05:45 GMT