Dumped Chemicals Blown Up

Demolitions experts today detonated dozens of canisters containing unstable toxic chemicals illegally dumped beside the Ortega Highway, forcing closure of the main road linking south Orange County to inland communities for several hours.

Immediately after the 8:12 a.m. blast, workers in protective garb and breathing apparatus began combing the 30-square-foot area to ensure that all of the chemicals had been destroyed. More than 20 different chemicals were found, including acids, corrosives and oxidizers.