A catastrophic nitric acid leak at an Ohio explosives plant unleashed toxic clouds across Vinton County, triggering mass evacuations, a no-fly zone, and emergency containment efforts.
At a Glance
- 3,000 gallons of nitric acid leaked from a ruptured tank at the Austin Powder Red Diamond Plant.
- Emergency responders evacuated parts of McArthur and the Village of Zaleski.
- A 30-nautical-mile no-fly zone was enacted to shield aircraft from airborne toxins.
- The leak produced nitrogen oxide gas, a respiratory hazard with eye and lung effects.
- By 4:30 p.m., the leak was contained and evacuation orders lifted—no injuries were reported.
Sudden Disaster Rocks Vinton County
Around 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, workers at the Austin Powder Red Diamond Plant in McArthur, Ohio, witnessed orange-brown gas plumes rising from a failed 5,000-gallon nitric acid tank. Officials confirmed that roughly 3,000 gallons were released into the air, creating a toxic reaction that formed dense nitrogen oxide gas—a chemical known to cause eye irritation, breathing difficulty, and potential unconsciousness with prolonged exposure.
Watch a report: Ohio acid leak prompts evacuations, no-fly zone.
Authorities acted swiftly, evacuating surrounding communities and setting up emergency shelter at Vinton County High School. The FAA imposed a 30-mile no-fly zone to prevent aircraft from passing through the airborne hazard, as shifting winds carried the plume southward from the plant site.
Health Warnings and Airborne Dangers
Nitrogen oxide gas, the product of the acid leak, has a distinctive orange hue and can cause severe respiratory issues. Emergency responders instructed residents to avoid the area, flush exposed skin and eyes with water, and seek medical care if they experienced symptoms like coughing, dizziness, or shortness of breath.
According to the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, “a tank reaction released nitrogen oxide gas into the air, but the release has since stopped.” While the situation stabilized by late afternoon, the visuals of the toxic cloud and the emergency response raised major questions about chemical safety protocols at explosives manufacturing sites.
Weather’s Role in Emergency Response
Wind patterns played a critical role in determining the reach of the plume and the timing of the evacuation lift. Officials from the National Weather Service monitored air currents closely throughout the day. As Robert Czechlewski, a regional emergency coordinator, explained, “wind conditions would determine how soon evacuated residents could return home.” By 4:30 p.m., air quality readings showed improvement, and residents were cleared to re-enter their homes.
An investigation into what caused the storage tank failure is now underway, with state regulators and plant officials collaborating to prevent a repeat incident. The plant, which produces mining and construction explosives, is expected to face scrutiny over its hazardous materials handling and emergency preparedness.
