Chemical leak at Ohio explosives plant triggers evacuations and flight restrictions
A chemical leak at an explosives plant in Vinton County, Ohio, on the morning of June 11, 2025, released a large nitrogen oxide gas cloud into the air. The incident led to temporary evacuations, a flight restriction, and a public health advisory, though no injuries or contamination have been reported so far.
Ohio EPA at the Austin Powder gas leak in Vinton County on June 13, 2025. Credit: Ohio EPA
A chemical leak at the Austin Powder Company’s Red Diamond explosives plant in Vinton County, Ohio, sent a large yellow-brown cloud of nitrogen oxide gas into the air on Wednesday, June 11, prompting a temporary evacuation of nearby residents. No injuries or illnesses from the incident have been reported so far.
The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said the incident was caused by a chemical reaction in a 5 000 gallon tank filled with nitric acid from an unknown pollutant.
The gas leak happened on Wednesday morning, which led to evacuations of nearby areas within a 5 km (3 mile) radius. While the Vinton County High School was set up as a temporary shelter for residents who had to leave their homes, the residents were allowed to return home by evening.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also put a temporary flight ban in place within 55 km (35 miles) of the plant, affecting flights from Rickenbacker International Airport. The restriction was lifted in a few hours.
Exposure to nitrogen oxide gas can lead to symptoms such as eye, nose, skin, and throat irritation, along with coughing, trouble breathing, and drowsiness. High or repeated exposure may cause fluid build-up in the lungs and irreversible respiratory damage.
Vinton County Health Department advised anyone who may have been exposed to rinse off thoroughly and flush their eyes with clean water, and see a doctor if any symptoms continue.
The Ohio EPA said air monitoring had not detected any nitrogen oxides, and there’s no indication that groundwater or drinking water has been affected. Because the area includes a lot of farmland, officials asked residents to keep a close watch on their livestock for any signs of possible exposure as well.
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