SoCal neighborhood on lockdown after chemical leak

A hazardous chemical leak has triggered widespread evacuations in Orange County after a plume of yellow smoke began filling the air Tuesday.

First responders and specialized hazmat crews responded to reports of a dangerous reaction involving nitric and phosphoric acid near 334 S Cypress St in La Habra city.

Emergency personnel are executing a mandatory evacuation for all residents and businesses within a one-mile radius of the site.

José Medrano, Mayor of City of La Habra, said in a social media post that Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD) and Los Angeles County Fire Department are investigating a chemical leak in the 500 block of South Cypress.

“All areas east of Euclid St to Harbor Blvd and Cypress St between La Habra Blvd and Lambert Rd are blocked off evacuations are being made, please stay out of the area,” Medrano said in the latest update.

Officials warn that the rising plume contains potentially toxic fumes and anyone downwind should seek immediate shelter indoors, close all windows, and shut off HVAC systems, if evacuation is not immediately possible.

At least one person has sustained minor injuries, while paramedics are actively evaluating three patients experiencing varying levels of physical distress, according to reports.

Fire crews are working to locate the source of the leak, believed to be a compromised storage tank, to contain the chemical reaction before atmospheric conditions spread the plume further into surrounding neighborhoods.

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