Friday, 13 June 2025

Evacuations Ordered After Hazardous Chemical Leak At Plant In Ohio

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A toxic chemical leak at an explosives manufacturing plant in Ohio prompted evacuations and a no-fly zone.

According to WLWT, approximately 3,000 gallons of nitric acid leaked from a tank at the Austin Powder Red Diamond Plant in McArthur.

“McArthur is approximately 27 miles southeast of Chillicothe, Ohio,” the outlet stated.

The leak spewed orange plumes of nitric oxide into the air.

“At this time, numerous emergency and hazardous materials crews are on the scene in Zaleski, Ohio, following a massive and dangerous chemical leak at the Austin Powder explosives manufacturing plant. The leak involves highly dangerous and toxic nitric acid as 5,000 gallons have been leaked prompting officials to issue mandatory evacuations as the the entire town of Zaleski, Ohio was evacuated,” Rawsalerts wrote.

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“The Federal Aviation Administration has also established a 30-mile no-fly zone around the site, extending up to 23,000 feet in altitude. The Red Cross has set up emergency shelters, and authorities are urging the public to avoid the area,” it added.

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WLWT reports:

Officials evacuated roads surrounding the plant, including Creek Road, Morgan Road, Infirmary Road, State Route 677 and the village of Zaleski, which has about 750 residents. The FAA implemented a temporary flight restriction as well of 30 nautical miles.

The evacuation orders were lifted around 4:30 p.m., according to NBC affiliate WCMH.

There’s been no reports of any injuries. Symptoms of exposure include irritation of skin, eyes, nose and throat and dizziness. Health officials advised if you feel you’ve been exposed, to clean yourself and if you feel any lingering effects, contact a doctor.

A shelter has been set up by the Red Cross at Vinton County High School for those evacuating.

The Vinton County Emergency Management Agency said at this time, monitoring data indicates the release is contained within the county, but they are conducting air quality assessments around the clock to ensure public safety. Once the leak is contained, they will conduct air monitoring and once they determine the air is safe, they will issue an all clear.

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From the New York Post:

Photos of the dangerous incident showed eerie orange, brown-colored haze wafting in the clear blue morning air.

The cause of the leak, which has since stopped, remains unknown, according to the Ohio EPA, which responded to the noxious scene.

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Exposure to nitric acid can cause severe burns to the eyes, skin, and respiratory system, dizziness and drowsiness. Chemical burns may also cause the skin to turn yellow, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Inhalation can permanently damage mucous membranes and lungs, leading to fluid buildup in the lungs and other breathing problems.

Officials urged those exposed to the pernicious toxin to flush their eyes with water, clean their skin and contact a doctor if symptoms persist.

No injuries have been reported.

The harmful plume is now heading south of the facility as wind conditions around the area have increased, Fox Weather reported.

Wind patterns and air quality will dictate when evacuation orders can be lifted, emergency officials told Fox.

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