Hazmat spill led to temporary evacuation, road closure

Multiple fire departments responded to a hazmat spill on Tuesday at the Go Mart on Ohio 285 south of Old Washington, after the acid mix cargo was leaking from a tanker truck.

The Guernsey County Emergency Management Agency said the spill, which was a mixture of nitric and hydrochloric acids, led to the evacuation of the area and the temporary closure of Ohio 285. Multiple agencies were on the scene.

Residents along Wintergreen and Range roads were advised to keep their families, livestock and pets away from Hawkins Run Creek.

The exposure of the nitric acid to other nitrogen oxides chemicals creates a yellowish color. The acid dissolves metals, irons, copper and silver. It is commonly used in fertilizer production for plants and grass.

Nitric acid can cause severe burns to the skin and irritation to the eyes. People can be exposed to the chemical as it can be passed through the skin and by inhalation.