Dangerous nitric acid leak at Ohio explosives plant prompts no-fly zone, mass evacuations

A massive nitric acid leak spewed orange plumes of smoke into the sky, forcing a no-fly zone and mass evacuations around an Ohio chemical plant, according to reports.

The chemical spill released 3,000 gallons of nitric acid from a tank at the Austin Powder Red Diamond Plant in McArthur– which manufactures explosives used for mining and construction – around 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, a Vinton County spokesperson told WLWT.

Spillage from the 5,000-gallon tank caused nearby roads to shutter and the Federal Administration Authority to enforce a temporary flight restriction. 3

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Photos of the incident showed eerie orange, brown-colored smoke billowing in the clear blue morning air.

No injuries were reported.

The cause of the leak is unknown.