2 dead, over 20 injured after toxic gas release at West Virginia chemical plant
Two people have died and more than 20 others were taken to hospitals or sought medical evaluation after a toxic gas release at a chemical plant in Institute, West Virginia, according to county officials. One patient was reported in serious condition.
The incident was reported at about 9:31 a.m. on Wednesday at Catalyst Refiners, Inc. in Institute, a community west of Charleston in Kanawha County.
County officials said the release happened while the plant, which had been used to manufacture silver catalyst, was shutting down operations and workers were carrying out cleaning and decontamination activities ahead of closure.
Preliminary information indicates a chemical reaction occurred during the cleaning process, creating hydrogen sulfide, a toxic gas. Officials said the reaction involved nitric acid and another substance.
Kanawha County commissioner Lance Wheeler Sigman said there was “a violent reaction of the chemicals and it instantaneously overreacted.”
County officials confirmed two deaths on the plant site as a result of the incident. The victims were not immediately identified.
Officials said 21 people from the site sought treatment, while ambulance workers responding to the leak were also evaluated after possible exposure. One of the injured was in critical condition.
“We know that the first responders, they always run to the fire. They put themselves in harm’s way,” Gov. Patrick Morrisey said. “We’re very grateful to these brave men and women and what they do. And they’re in our prayers, and we’re monitoring the recovery of those transported to our local hospitals.”
Some of the exposed were taken to hospitals by ambulance, while others arrived in private vehicles. Sigman said at least one person was transported in a garbage truck.
Authorities said the leak triggered a large decontamination operation in which exposed people had to remove their clothing and be sprayed down. Sigman said the smell was concentrated close to the facility.
Hospitals in the area said patients were being checked for respiratory symptoms including coughing, shortness of breath, sore throat and itchy eyes.
A shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area and remained in effect for more than five hours before it was lifted.
The company said it would work with local, state and federal authorities as they investigate. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has opened an investigation into the incident.
The post 2 dead, over 20 injured after toxic gas release at West Virginia chemical plant appeared first on BNO News.
Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief
