Shipping tank releasing hazardous smoke in Toledo, Ohio

An ISO tank container began releasing hazardous smoke last night in Toledo, Ohio.

Toledo Fire & Rescue have issued an evacuation order within one mile radius of MC Tank’s 1266 Progress Ave. terminal, and a shelter-in-place order within a three-mile radius.

The incident is classified as a hazardous materials release.

Immediate actions

• Individuals within the zone and outside it who smell an unusual odor should stay indoors, close windows and doors, and turn off ventilation that draws in outside air.
• Those driving along nearby roads, including Interstates 75 and 280, are advised to roll up their windows and recirculate the air inside the vehicle. Roads are closed surrounding the area of evacuation.

The EPA is overseeing air monitoring at several locations around the perimeter of the evacuation zone. Additional testing will be done later around the perimeter of the shelter-in-place zone. Results will be shared as soon as possible.

The chemical released is glycidyl methacrylate (GMA), an irritant that can cause burning of the eyes, nose, mouth, and skin (view the SDS here)

If exposure occurs, shower or rinse the impacted area. Symptoms of overexposure include headache, dizziness, tiredness, nausea and vomiting. Please contact a medical professional if you believe you're having a reaction to exposure.

During a press conference, Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz said first responders are not approaching the container due to a potential risk of explosion.

Prior OSHA citations include fatal tank entry

The FMCSA reported 14 total crashes involving MC Tank in the past two years, one of which involved a fatality. Out of 183 hazmat inspections, only two place vehicles out of service.

In March 2025, The Kenan Advantage Group, Inc. acquired M.C. Tank Transport, Inc.

In Feb. 2020, two employees were killed while cleaning a tank purged with nitrogen. Ashley Friedman, a contractor from Great Lakes Tank & Vessel LLC (GLTV), entered the tank and collapsed in the oxygen-deficient environment. A second employee, Alan Linder from Kenan, entered the tank to attempt rescue. Both were killed by asphyxiation.

OSHA investigators found Kenan failed to communicate chemical hazards effectively to contractors, coordinate entry activities with its contractor, and prevent unauthorized entry into permit-required confined spaces while attempting rescue. The company did not evaluate respiratory hazards despite mechanics complaining about chemical exposure near the hazardous materials bay.

In Nov. 2020, an employee was struck by a pneumatic trailer fitting when it was suddenly ejected by built-up air pressure in the system, fracturing their eye socket. OSHA cited Kenan for failure to follow a lockout/tagout procedure or develop an emergency action plan (EAP).