Residents have been urged to look out for symptoms following the release of the toxic gas.
21:48, Wed, Jun 11, 2025 | UPDATED: 21:57, Wed, Jun 11, 2025
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The spill prompted a mass evacuation (Image: Vinton County Sheriff's Office)
A mass evacuation order was issued in a US state after a tank containing nitric acid reportedly leaked on Wednesday. The Austin Powder Red Diamond plant, where the leak allegedly happened, is located in McArthur, Ohio, and is known for making explosives for construction and mining purposes.
Pictures from the scene show a large plume of gas rising sky high. The leak was followed by an immediate evacuation order issued by the Vinton County Sheriff’s Office, impacting the Zaleski area. Flights were also grounded, with planes barred within 3,700 square miles of airspace.
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Footage shows orange smoke rising above residential area
Hundreds of residents were evacuated from areas around the explosives plant after the nitric acid leak this morning - with new footage revealing what locals saw as they were told to leave their homes immediately.
\ud83d\udea8 OHIO CHEMICAL DISASTER: A nitric acid leak at a factory spewed toxic gas, turning skies ORANGE. Flights grounded, schools evacuated, 3,700 sq. miles locked down. Breathing it = burns, dizziness, even blackouts. #OhioEmergencypic.twitter.com/s8vLygQKJE
\u2014 THE USA NEW TIMES (@THEUSANEWTIMES) June 11, 2025
Weather conditions could worsen impact of gas cloud overnight
Meteorologists have warned that the impact of nitric acid on areas around the Austin Powder plant could worsen overnight.
"During the day, warmer temperatures allow gases to rise and disperse more easily, but as the sun sets and temperatures fall, the boundary layer - the part of the atmosphere closer to the ground - will shrink," according to The Weather Channel.
"This means the toxic gas may become more concentrated at the surface, increasing the danger for anyone still in the area."
Emergency crews and hazmat teams reportedly remain at the site of the spill.
Authorities in Vinton County, Ohio, have not reported any injuries as a result of today's nitric acid leak.
The dramatic incident saw plumes of orange smoke rising into the sky around the Austin Powder plant in McArthur, which creates explosives used for mining and construction.
Eye irritation and unconsciousness among potential symptoms
A high concentration of nitric oxide in the air can cause symptoms including "irritation of eyes, skin, nose and throat to drowsiness and maybe some unconsciousness," Vinton Country Health department official Brad Price said, as per The Mirror.
The orange plume of nitric oxide has risen around the plant (Image: Vinton County Sheriff's Office)
5,000 gallon tank of nitric acid prompted evacuation
Officials have confirmed that a 5,000 gallon tank of nitric acid leaked at the Austin Powder plant in McArthur earlier today, causing an emergency evacuation.
Robert Czechlewski, Jackson County Emergency Management Director, said the leak was discovered at around 8:30am local time.
A plume of nitric oxide - created by the acid making contact with the air - has reportedly gathered around the plant as a result.
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