Chemical leak at explosives manufacturing plant prompts evacuations in Vinton County

MCARTHUR, Ohio (WCMH) — A chemical leak from an explosives manufacturing plant is prompting evacuations Wednesday in and around Zaleski in Vinton County, according to the sheriff's office.
Creek Road, Morgan Road, Infirmary Road, State Route 677 and the Village of Zaleski are being evacuated. Residents are urged to leave the area to avoid exposure. Zaleski has about 750 residents.
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The chemical leak is originating from the Austin Powder plant in McArthur after an unexpected release of nitrogen oxide, according to a statement from the plant. The cause of the leak is unknown. The Red Diamond facility's website says it manufactures materials that go into blast powder and dynamite.
A spokesperson with the Jackson County Emergency Management Agency told NBC4 that 3,000 gallons of chemicals was released out of a 5,000 gallon tank. When the chemicals were released, it reacted to create nitric oxide in the air.
Officials said after the leak is contained, the air quality will be monitored before an all-clear will be given for residents to return home.
Emergency response protocols have been initiated at the Red Diamond Plant with Austin Powder saying no injuries or adverse health impacts have been identified at this time. Emergency management officials also said they've not received reports of injuries.
Symptoms from exposure to nitrogen oxide include skin, eye and throat irritation. Some drowsiness is possible, according to officials. Those who think they may have been exposed should clean themselves with cold water, and if there are any lingering effects, seek medical attention.
Officials said those with asthma or other respiratory problems will be more likely to be impacted by symptoms.
A shelter is set up at Vinton County High School for anyone who doesn't have somewhere to go.
The Federal Aviation Administration has placed a temporary flight restriction with a radius of 30 nautical miles up to 23,000 feet in the area of the leak. The TFR is currently in effect until 10:25 a.m. Thursday.
Austin Powder says that the facility is the county's largest employer with about 250 employees.
The plant was cited for a 'serious' OSHA violation in June 2024.
'On or about June 5, 2024, periodic inspections of the energy control procedures for equipment, such as but not limited to the bucket elevator at the mixing plant, was not performed at least annually to ensure the procedures and requirements of the standard were being followed when employees were required to perform service and maintenance activities,' according to OSHA.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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