Thousands of gallons of nitric acid were released from a powder plant in Ohio, prompting authorities to evacuate hundreds of residents.
According to a report by CBS News, authorities say 3000 gallons of nitric acid leaked from a manufacturing plant called Austin Powder in Vinton County. The outlet explains that the plant manufactures explosives. Per The Independent, the explosives are for mining and construction purposes. It’s unclear how the chemicals escaped the plant, but they filled the air above Austin Powder with plumes of dark orange and brown smoke.
During an interview, Jackson County Emergency Management Director Robert Czechlewski confirmed that 3000 gallons of acid leaked from a tank on site.
Per the Daily Mail, nitric acid is a hazardous chemical compound. It can reportedly irritate the eyes, throat, and lungs. The Vinton County Sheriff’s Office ordered an immediate evacuation of nearby areas, specifically Zaleski Village. The outlet says that the village is home to over 700 residents. The FAA reportedly banned almost all air traffic from flying within 3700 square miles of the affected airspace.
The Sheriff’s Office Has Provided Multiple Updates About The Leak On Social Media
The Sheriff’s Office has provided several updates about the situation on social media. In a recent post, they wrote, “We are evacuating Creek Rd. Morgan Rd, Infirmary Rd. S.R. 677 and the Village of Zaleski.” They asked residents to evacuate ‘to 278 east of Zaleski to U.S. 50 to avoid the exposure and roadblocks.’
Authorities also set up a shelter at the Vinton County High School for residents without anywhere else to go. Their most recent post on June 11 explains that the evacuation order is now lifted as of 4:30 PM. Officials confirmed that air monitoring and on-site evaluations say that “levels at the facility are within safe limits.”
According to The Telegram News, a spokeswoman for the Austin Powder Plant confirmed that all plant workers are safe and accounted for. During the leak, some workers stayed on site. Most were sent to a temporary shelter at the McArthur Firefighters Bingo Hall. The spokeswoman also confirmed that workers due at the plant later in the day were advised not to report to work.