Chemical Leak Forces Evacuations in Southeastern Ohio Town

VINTON COUNTY, Ohio — Residents were evacuated from the village of Zaleski in Vinton County due to a chemical leak at the Austin Powder Plant on Wednesday morning. The leak involved anhydrous nitric acid, which released a plume of orange smoke into the air.

The Vinton County Emergency Management Agency reported that the leak occurred when a tank designed to hold 50,000 gallons developed a malfunction. Officials are currently unsure of how much acid leaked or the precise cause of the incident.

Local authorities have evacuated several roads surrounding the plant, including Creek Road, Morgan Road, Infirmary Road, and State Route 677. Residents in the area are advised to head toward State Route 278 to avoid potential exposure.

A shelter has been set up at Vinton County High School to accommodate those displaced by the evacuation. According to Vinton County EMA spokesperson Robert Czechlewski, monitoring data indicates that the chemical release is contained within the county limits for now.

Emergency crews from Ross County, Hocking County, and Wellston Fire are on site assisting with the situation. So far, there have been no reports of injuries, and all personnel at the Austin Powder Plant have been accounted for.

Officials will continue to conduct air quality assessments around the clock to ensure the safety of the community. Residents are urged to stay updated as more information becomes available.