Two individuals lost their lives, and 19 others were hospitalized following a chemical spill at a facility in West Virginia.
The incident occurred at the Catalyst Refiners plant, a silver recovery establishment in Institute, at approximately 9:30 am EDT on Wednesday. According to Kanawha County Commission Emergency Management Director C.W. Sigman, the leak resulted from a sudden chemical reaction involving nitric acid and another substance during cleaning and shutdown procedures. This reaction led to the release of hydrogen sulphide, a highly toxic gas, causing a violent chemical response.
Reports indicate that one person is in critical condition, with seven ambulance workers among the injured individuals. Additional casualties were transported to hospitals using private vehicles, and in one instance, a garbage truck.
Vandalia Health Charleston Area Medical Centre, along with other medical facilities in the region, has been providing care to multiple patients affected by the incident. Common symptoms include respiratory issues like coughing, shortness of breath, sore throat, and itchy eyes.
Authorities issued a shelter-in-place order for the area, which was eventually lifted after more than five hours. A large-scale decontamination operation was necessary, requiring individuals to undergo clothing removal and decontamination spraying.
Catalyst Refiners specializes in silver extraction from chemical byproducts and can recover significant amounts of precious metal through various processes, as described by Sigman.
Ames Goldsmith Corp., the parent company of Catalyst Refiners, expressed deep sorrow over the fatalities and extended condolences to the victims’ families. The company pledged full cooperation with investigations conducted by local, state, and federal agencies.
The plant is situated near Institute, a community located around 10 miles west of Charleston, the state capital.
