A deadly explosion at the Austin Powder Company's Red Diamond Plant in July 2009 foreshadowed ongoing safety and environmental challenges at the Vinton County facility, which was again at the center of controversy this week after a significant chemical leak prompted evacuations.
The July 28, 2009, blast, caused by a broken detonating cord during the manufacturing process, resulted in extensive injuries to 10 employees. One of the most severely injured, Marletta Betts, suffered burns over 90% of her body and later died on Sept. 1, 2009, more than a month after the incident.
Investigators from the Ohio State Fire Marshal's office and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) determined the broken cord led to the explosion of a partially filled spool. While the force of the blast blew away a portion of the production building's roof and sidewall, investigators noted this was an intended safety feature, as the structure was "designed to peel away to release pressure."
Following the 2009 explosion, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) conducted a comprehensive investigation, issuing five "Serious" citations to Austin Powder. These citations, which initially carried a combined penalty of $35,000, pointed to significant safety deficiencies, including issues related to Process Safety Management (PSM). The penalties were later reduced to $22,750 through an informal settlement.
The 2009 incident was not an isolated event for Austin Powder, the oldest manufacturing enterprise in Ohio, founded in 1833. The company's nearly two-century history has been "marked by many explosions," including a facility destroyed in a 1907 blast. Prior to the 2009 explosion, Austin Powder had already faced numerous "serious" OSHA violations in 2003, suggesting a pattern of recurring safety concerns.
Fast forward to Wednesday, June 11, 2025, the Red Diamond Plant once again triggered an emergency response and public concern. A chemical leak involving approximately 3,000 gallons of anhydrous nitric acid from a 5,000-gallon process tank led to a hazardous orange plume of nitric oxide gas. The incident prompted evacuations of the nearby village of Zaleski and surrounding roads in Vinton County as emergency crews, including hazmat teams, responded and monitored air quality. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and evacuation orders were eventually lifted as the plume dissipated.
The recent nitric oxide release, while not an explosion, underscores the ongoing challenges Austin Powder faces in managing hazardous materials and maintaining operational safety. This incident, combined with past explosions and previous environmental compliance issues — including a 2025 agreement to pay a $2.3 million civil penalty to resolve Clean Water Act violations from 2013 — highlights the continuous vigilance required in the high-risk explosives manufacturing industry.
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