WATER is sprayed on a tank that overheated at an aerospace plant in Garden Grove, Calif., Friday, May 22, 2026. /Ethan Swope)
An agreement worth $125 million has been reached in a civil case against GKN Aerospace in connection with the Memorial Day weekend hazmat incident that led to the evacuation of 50,000 people in West Garden Grove, along with parts of adjoining cities like Stanton and Westminster.
The announcement was made Monday evening by the office of Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer. The agreement must be approved by an Orange County Superior Court judge before it goes into effect.
The sign of GKN Aerospace where a tank
The sign of GKN Aerospace where a tank overheated in Garden Grove, Calif., Friday, May 22, 2026. /Ethan Swope)
Also announced was an Oct. 27 date for the long-promised “Town Hall” which would give residents the opportunity to express opinions and ask questions about the agreement and its impact on affected people.
The location and start time were not immediately available.
The agreement includes a claims program of up to $100 million – to be administered by an independent party – to make reimbursement for lost wages, hotel bills, lost business income and per diem compensation for meals and transportation.
Expenses by public agencies such as the Orange
Expenses by public agencies such as the Orange County Fire Authority, Garden Grove Police Department and others called to respond to the emergency, and the cost of abating the incident will be reimbursed for $8,471,385.50.
Additionally, there will be a seven-year injunction calling for “a robust safety and monitoring plan,” overseen by an “outside expert monitor” to make sure GKN complies with all applicable laws and regulations. The cost of that is $1.4 million, to be paid by the defendants (GKN).
Another $15 million in civil penalties will be paid, the money going to be used by the OCDA’s office “for the enforcement of consumer protection laws.”
The incident started on May 21 when
The incident started on May 21 when a leak of the potentially volatile MMA chemical at GKN’s factory on Western Avenue in Garden Grove triggered a five-day crisis which led to widespread mandatory evacuations, cancellation of Garden Grove’s traditional Strawberry Festival parade and other disruptions.
For a period, there was concern about a possible explosion or major breach in the damaged holding tank, neither of which developed. There were no injuries reported although some people have claimed health impacts.
GKN Aerospace makes plastic canopies and windows for aircraft and employs about 500 people.
