A massive nitric acid leak at an Ohio explosives plant sent toxic orange plumes billowing into the sky Wednesday morning, forcing evacuations and the implementation of a no-fly zone as authorities rushed to contain the hazardous situation.
At a Glance
- Approximately 3,000 gallons of nitric acid leaked from a 5,000-gallon tank at the Austin Powder Red Diamond Plant in McArthur, Ohio
- Authorities evacuated nearby areas including the Village of Zaleski and established a 30-nautical-mile no-fly zone around the site
- The leak produced nitrogen oxide gas, which can cause eye irritation, respiratory problems, and potential loss of consciousness
- Wind conditions affected the spread of the toxic plume, which moved southward from the facility
- Evacuation orders were lifted by 4:30 p.m. the same day with no injuries reported
Emergency Response to Massive Chemical Leak
The chemical emergency unfolded around 8:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Austin Powder Red Diamond Plant in McArthur, Ohio, which manufactures explosives for mining and construction operations. The incident involved a significant leak from a nitric acid storage tank that resulted in the release of approximately 3,000 gallons of the corrosive chemical. The release triggered an immediate response from local emergency management officials who quickly implemented evacuation protocols for surrounding areas potentially affected by the hazardous fumes.
Local authorities evacuated nearby roadways and the entire Village of Zaleski as a precautionary measure. A shelter was established at Vinton County High School for displaced residents. The Federal Aviation Administration enforced a temporary 30-nautical-mile no-fly zone around the incident site to prevent aircraft from flying through the toxic plume, which was clearly visible as orange-brown clouds rising from the facility. Officials monitored wind patterns carefully to track the movement of the hazardous vapors.
#BREAKING: Major Toxic Chemical Leak Triggers Mass Evacuation in Ohio
5,000 gallons of nitric acid leaked at Zaleski, OH, Austin Powder explosives plant
Entire town evacuated
FAA declares 30-mile no-fly zone (up to 23,000 ft)
Red Cross sets up shelters; HAZMAT crews on scene… pic.twitter.com/DUwQz2HnkH— upuknews (@upuknews1) June 11, 2025
Health Concerns and Chemical Hazards
The leaked nitric acid reacted in the environment to form nitrogen oxide gas, creating the distinctive orange-brown plume that spread from the facility. Exposure to these chemicals presents significant health risks, including severe burns to skin and eyes, respiratory irritation, and potentially more serious respiratory issues with prolonged exposure. Officials advised anyone who may have been exposed to the chemicals to thoroughly flush their eyes with water, clean affected skin areas, and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms persisted.
“A massive chemical leak spewed toxic orange plumes of dangerous acid into the sky, forcing a no-fly zone and mass evacuations near an explosive plant in Ohio,” according to reports.
The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency provided critical information about the nature of the chemical release. “A tank reaction released nitrogen oxide gas into the air, but the release has since stopped,” the agency confirmed. Nitrogen oxide can cause irritated eyes, drowsiness, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness. Despite the dangerous nature of the chemicals involved, emergency management officials reported no injuries resulting from the incident, suggesting that evacuation procedures were implemented effectively.
Weather Conditions and Evacuation Timeline
Weather conditions played a crucial role in managing the emergency response. Wind patterns determined the direction of the toxic plume and influenced decisions about when evacuated residents could safely return to their homes. The National Weather Service provided ongoing updates about the plume’s movement, which was primarily heading south of the facility. Robert Czechlewski, an emergency response official, confirmed that “wind conditions would determine how soon evacuated residents could return home.”
“The harmful plume is now heading south of the facility as wind conditions around the area have increased. Wind patterns and air quality will dictate when evacuation orders can be lifted,” emergency officials told Fox.
By 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, authorities determined that conditions had improved sufficiently to lift the evacuation orders, allowing residents to return to their homes. The leak had been contained, and air quality measurements indicated that the hazardous conditions had dissipated. The cause of the tank rupture remains under investigation, with plant officials and regulatory agencies working to determine what triggered the failure of the 5,000-gallon nitric acid storage tank and how to prevent similar incidents in the future.
