Evacuations Ordered Following Nitric Acid Leak at Ohio Manufacturing Plant
VINTON COUNTY, Ohio — Emergency responders are actively managing a chemical leak incident after a storage tank containing nitric acid developed a significant leak early Wednesday morning at a manufacturing plant near the village of Zaleski.
Incident Overview: What Happened?
The leak occurred at the Austin Powder Company facility located on Powder Plant Road in McArthur, Ohio. Initially reported as a 50,000-gallon tank leaking, officials later clarified that the leak originated from a 5,000-gallon tank, with roughly 3,000 gallons of nitric acid released. The exact cause of the leak remains under investigation.
Emergency Management Director Robert Czechlewski confirmed the severity of the incident, describing the release as a substantial hazmat event involving this highly corrosive and hazardous chemical.
Swift Response and Evacuation Measures
Evacuation orders were quickly issued for residents in and around Zaleski, including areas along Infirmary Road, Morgan Road, and Creek Road. The Ohio Department of Transportation has closed State Route 278 between Park Road 9 and U.S. 50, as well as all lanes of State Route 677 at U.S. 50 to ensure public safety.
Authorities have designated Vinton County High School, located at 63910 U.S. 50, as a temporary shelter for evacuees. School buses have been dispatched to assist those without transportation, with pick-up points such as Saint Sylvester Catholic Church facilitating evacuation logistics.
Multi-Agency Support and Safety Precautions
Fire departments from McArthur, Jackson, Ross, Hocking, and Wellston counties have mobilized hazmat teams, supported by coordination from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and local emergency management agencies. The Federal Aviation Administration has imposed a 30-mile no-fly zone over the affected area up to an altitude of 23,000 feet to prevent aerial hazards.
An eyewitness photo shows a distinct orange-brown cloud rising into the sky above the site, illustrating the severity of the release.
About Austin Powder Company
Austin Powder, headquartered in Cleveland, specializes in manufacturing industrial explosives, primarily used in mining and construction. The Vinton County facility, known as Red Diamond, is a key manufacturing site for these products.
What Residents Need to Know
- If you reside in the evacuation zones near Powder Plant Road, Infirmary Road, Morgan Road, or Creek Road, leave immediately and proceed to Vinton County High School.
- Stay updated via official channels and avoid returning to the area until authorities declare it safe.
- Follow all instructions from emergency personnel and avoid affected routes due to road closures.
Ongoing Coverage
This story is developing. Updates will be released as more information becomes available. Residents are urged to stay alert and follow emergency services for the latest guidance.
