FNN Article © Wednesday, January 28, 2026. Image taken by Kayla Blake sent in by a reader. (Click on image to enlarge).
TOWN OF ERWIN, NY – Early Wednesday morning, January 28, 2026, around 7:15 a.m. the Steuben County 911 Center received a call regarding a Nitrogen leak at the Corning Diesel Plant on State Route 417 in the Town of Erwin.
According to the Steuben County Office of Emergency Management, Forest View Gang Mills Fire Department was immediately dispatched to the scene. Upon the fire department’s arrival they found a Vapor Cloud drifting from the plant towards I-99 and State Route 417.
FNN also learned that the Corning Inc. Emergency Response Team had also responded to assist with the environmental incident at the plant.
The Vapor Cloud caused visibility issues across Route 417 and road closure in the Town of Erwin were noted.
Evacuation of the immediate area was initiated and a detour of traffic was established. Also a local evacuation center was established at the Addison Community Center for local residents.
Emergency responders worked with Plant Officials to monitor the situation. The situation is stable at this time. It is suggested to avoid this area. If traveling I-99 or State Route 417 today, try to find alternative routes
In a press release issued at 11:30 AM, it was stated the situation at the Corning Incorporated Diesel Plant had been resolved. Emergency units were cleared from the scene and traffic was restored. Anyone that was evacuated from the area were able to return to their homes or work.
Plant officials were able to isolate and mitigate the cause and there is no further threat to the public.
* A nitrogen leak creates a severe asphyxiation risk by displacing oxygen, particularly in enclosed spaces, and requires immediate evacuation, ventilation, and stopping the flow.
