A massive nitric acid leak at an explosives plant in Ohio resulted in toxic orange plumes spreading across the sky, forcing evacuations and a no-fly zone. Nearby areas were evacuated as a result of the leak, which produced poisonous orange-brown clouds that could be seen for miles. The facility was temporarily surrounded by a 30-nautical-mile no-fly zone. By 4:30 p.m. that same day, evacuation orders were lifted and no injuries were reported.
Emergency Response Activated
A dangerous chemical emergency unfolded Wednesday morning when approximately 3,000 gallons of nitric acid leaked from a 5,000-gallon tank at the Austin Powder Red Diamond Plant in McArthur, Ohio. The facility, which manufactures explosives for mining and construction operations, became the center of an urgent response operation after the leak began around 8:30 a.m., sending thick orange-brown plumes of toxic gas billowing into the sky. Local authorities swiftly evacuated nearby roadways and the Village of Zaleski as the hazardous cloud spread through the area.
The Federal Aviation Administration established a temporary 30-nautical-mile no-fly zone around the facility to prevent aircraft from flying through the dangerous chemical cloud. Meanwhile, emergency management officials set up a shelter at Vinton County High School for displaced residents while hazardous materials teams worked to contain the spill. The rapid mobilization of emergency services demonstrated the seriousness with which officials treated the potential threat to public safety.
#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 Wind Patterns
Nitric acid exposure presents serious health hazards, including severe burns to skin and eyes, respiratory issues, and other potentially life-threatening conditions. Emergency management officials advised anyone who might have been exposed to the chemical to take immediate precautionary measures. Those possibly affected were instructed to flush eyes thoroughly with water, clean exposed skin, and seek medical attention if symptoms persisted. Despite the significant leak, officials reported no injuries, a fortunate outcome given the dangerous nature of the chemical.
Weather conditions played a crucial role in both the spread of the chemical plume and the decision-making process for emergency response. The National Weather Service provided ongoing updates regarding the movement of the toxic cloud, which was being pushed southward by prevailing winds. Robert Czechlewski, a local emergency management official, confirmed that wind patterns would be the determining factor in allowing evacuated residents to return to their homes safely. This meteorological monitoring was essential in managing the incident effectively.
#Breaking 🚨 MCARTHUR, Ohio — A chemical leak at the Austin Powder plant, a commercial explosives manufacturer in McArthur, prompted evacuations in Vinton County. Around 8:30 a.m., a 5,000-gallon nitric acid tank leaked, creating a nitric oxide plume. No injuries reported, but… pic.twitter.com/kVHXnEiHj7
— BreakinNewz (@BreakinNewz01) June 11, 2025
Chemical Reaction and Resolution
The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency clarified that the incident involved a tank reaction that released nitrogen oxide gas into the air. The leak on the ground consisted of nitric acid, which then reacted to form the nitric oxide plume visible for miles around the facility. Nitric oxide can cause irritated eyes, drowsiness, and potentially loss of consciousness in those exposed, making the evacuation order a necessary precaution. Officials confirmed that the leak had stopped, though the investigation into its cause was ongoing.
By 4:30 p.m. on the same day, authorities determined it was safe to lift the evacuation orders, allowing residents to return to their homes. The swift resolution of the emergency demonstrated the effectiveness of the coordinated response from local, state, and federal agencies. Austin Powder Company, which operates the Red Diamond facility, has not yet issued a detailed statement regarding the incident or potential operational changes that might be implemented to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The investigation will likely focus on determining whether equipment failure, human error, or other factors contributed to the leak.