On the morning of June 11, 2025, a significant chemical incident occurred at the Austin Powder Red Diamond Plant in McArthur, Ohio, which produces explosives for mining and construction.
Approximately 3,000 gallons of nitric acid leaked from a 5,000-gallon storage tank, releasing orange and brown smoke into the air.
The leak prompted Federal Aviation Administration authorities to impose a no-fly zone and initiate mass evacuations in the surrounding area due to potential health and safety risks.
Nearby roads were also closed down by the Vinton County Sheriff’s Office to prevent exposure and ensure public safety.
Roads closed due to the chemical leak include:
- State Route 328
- State Route 677
- State Route 278
- U.S. Route 50
- Creek Road
- Infirmary Road
- Morgan Road
- Powder Plant Road
These closures were implemented to secure the area around the plant, limit public exposure to the nitrogen oxide plume, and allow emergency responders and environmental agencies to assess and contain the situation safely.
Local law enforcement and the Ohio Department of Transportation are managing traffic and have not yet provided a timeline for when the roads will reopen.
No injuries have been reported, and the exact cause of the leak remains under investigation.
Emergency responders arrived around 8:30 a.m. following reports of the hazardous material incident.
The leak caused a visible orange-brown cloud to form over the area, leading to health concerns among nearby residents and local authorities.
Authorities ordered evacuations in surrounding areas, and the American Red Cross established an emergency shelter at Vinton County High School to house displaced residents.
Resources and Contacts:
- Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): https://epa.ohio.gov
- Vinton County Emergency Management Agency: https://www.vintoncountyema.com/
- American Red Cross – Central & Southern Ohio Region: https://www.redcross.org/local/ohio/central-and-southern-ohio.html
When Will Residents Be Allowed to Return Home?
Officials have not provided a definitive timeline for when residents will be allowed to return home following the chemical leak at the Austin Powder Red Diamond Plant.
Emergency responders are actively working to contain the site, assess air quality, and determine when it is safe to lift evacuation orders.
Residents from Zaleski and other nearby areas were asked to leave their homes due to potential exposure risks, with school buses used to assist in the evacuation process.
Temporary shelters have been established at Saint Sylvester Catholic Church and Vinton County High School, while the United Way and other local organizations are providing support and essential resources to displaced families.
As mentioned, road access remains restricted around the plant and several surrounding routes, including Creek Road, Powder Plant Road, and State Routes 328, 677, and 278, to prevent unnecessary exposure and allow emergency crews to operate safely.
Until the Ohio EPA and local health officials confirm that air and ground conditions are stable, residents are urged to remain at the designated shelters or alternative accommodations.
Updates will be provided through county emergency management channels and local news as the situation evolves.
