Toledo Fire and Rescue issued evacuation and shelter-in-place orders on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, following a chemical leak at the MC Tank Transport terminal in North Toledo. A plume of smoke containing chemicals was reported at the facility located at 1050 Progress Ave. No injuries were reported in connection with the release.
The leak was first reported at approximately 10:48 p.m. on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. A company statement from MC Tank Transport, a subsidiary of The Kenan Advantage Group, Inc., identified the leaking substance as glycidyl methacrylate, an industrial chemical used in the production of plastics, paints, and coatings. Toledo Fire and Rescue Pvt. Sheldon Collins stated that the chemical was leaking onto the ground outside the facility and was also present in the air.
Emergency responders ordered an evacuation for everyone within a one-mile radius of the facility at 10:48 p.m. Tuesday. Around 4:00 a.m. Wednesday, authorities issued a shelter-in-place order for residents within a three-mile radius. Those under the shelter-in-place order were instructed to stay indoors, close all windows and doors, and disable ventilation systems that pull in outside air. The chemical plume reduced visibility on Interstate 75 and other local roadways, prompting warnings for drivers to use caution.
In a separate and previously resolved incident in West Toledo, a minor anhydrous ammonia leak occurred at the Sofo Foods facility on Waggoner Boulevard. That leak, which occurred at approximately 9:30 a.m. on a Friday approximately eight months prior to the October 21 reports, led to a two-hour shelter-in-place order for a one-mile radius. Readings at that time indicated no hazardous levels outside the building, and the order was lifted shortly after noon that same day.
The scale of the disruption involves a mandatory evacuation zone covering a one-mile radius and a shelter-in-place zone extending three miles from 1050 Progress Ave. While specific population counts were not reported, the closure of two major school districts and multiple businesses, such as Sterling Pipe & Tube, indicates a widespread impact. Residents within the three-mile zone were told to remain indoors with sealed ventilation.
The leak has also disrupted regional transportation and emergency services. Nearby railroads were shut down, and sections of Enterprise Boulevard between Stickney Avenue and Benore Road were blocked. Public safety officials reported that 911 dispatchers were overloaded with inquiries, prompting a request for the public to use the "Engage Toledo" line for non-emergency questions. MC Tank Transport stated it has mobilized specialized emergency resources and is working with the Red Cross to arrange lodging for displaced residents. As of Wednesday morning, no timeline for the lifting of the North Toledo orders has been established.