A chemical leak at a West Virginia silver recovery plant killed two people and sent 19 others to the hospital, including one in critical condition, authorities confirmed. The incident occurred Wednesday at Catalyst Refiners in Institute, Kanawha County, as workers prepared to shut down part of the facility. Hydrogen sulfide, a toxic and flammable gas, was released during the process, prompting an emergency response.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
The leak was reported around 9:46 a.m., leading to a shelter-in-place order for nearby schools, which was later lifted. Twenty-one people sought medical evaluation, including five emergency medical services (EMS) workers. Investigators are probing the cause of the chemical reaction.
Deeper Dive & Context
The facility manufactures silver catalyst, and the incident occurred during a shutdown and cleaning operation. Officials emphasized that the shelter-in-place was a precautionary measure. No additional details about the victims or the exact cause of the reaction were immediately available.
Emergency Response
Kanawha County Commission President Ben Salango confirmed that seven EMS workers were treated for potential exposure. The shelter-in-place initially covered a one-mile radius but was later reduced to the immediate area around the plant.
Investigation and Next Steps
Authorities have not yet determined what triggered the chemical reaction. The investigation is ongoing, with no further updates expected in the immediate term.