A chemical leak at a manufacturing plant in Vinton County, Ohio, has prompted evacuations as officials respond to a serious incident involving a significant amount of nitric acid. Residents in the nearby village of Zaleski are being urged to leave the area due to safety concerns.
The leak was confirmed at Austin Powder’s facility located on Powder Plant Road in McArthur. Initially reported as a leak of 3,000 gallons from a 5,000-gallon tank, further clarification indicated a larger issue, with around 50,000 gallons of nitric acid involved. Fire departments from McArthur and surrounding counties, including Jackson and Ross, are actively engaged in handling the situation.
A concerning visual reported by a local resident shows an orangish-brown gas affecting the sky, heightening anxiety among the community. The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency has been alerted and is sending a coordinator to the site for further investigation and response coordination.
For those affected, evacuation centers have been established, with Vinton County High School designated as the main site for evacuees. Specific areas under evacuation orders include Infirmary Road, Morgan Road, and Creek Road. Additionally, the Ohio Department of Transportation has closed state Route 278 between Park Road 9 and U.S. 50, as well as state Route 677 at U.S. 50, to ensure safety and prevent access to the affected region.
As updates are anticipated from officials, the community is advised to stay informed through local news outlets and official channels. The swift response from emergency services aims to control the situation and mitigate risks to public health and safety.
This incident highlights the importance of emergency preparedness and the collaboration of multiple agencies in managing chemical hazards effectively.