Two people died after a chemical release at Catalyst Refiners, Inc. in Institute, West Virginia, and 21 individuals from the site were transported or sought medical care and evaluation, according to a Kanawha County Commission media release issued Wednesday.
County officials said the incident was reported at about 9:31 a.m. at the facility, which was used to manufacture silver catalyst. Preliminary information indicates the site was in the process of shutting down operations, with cleaning and decontamination activities underway ahead of closure, when a chemical reaction is believed to have occurred, creating hydrogen sulfide.
Of the 21 individuals from the site, one was listed in critical condition and 20 were described as non-critical, the release said. Five employees of the Kanawha County Emergency Ambulance Authority were also being evaluated as a precaution for potential exposure.
The Kanawha County Emergency Operations Center was activated at 9:46 a.m., and first responders, emergency management personnel and hazmat teams remained engaged in the response. Officials said a shelter-in-place order had been lifted, but Route 25 in front of the plant remained closed. Route 60, or MacCorkle Avenue, was temporarily closed as a precaution before reopening.
Kanawha County Schools also voluntarily initiated shelter-in-place procedures at several schools out of an abundance of caution, officials said.
The county said no identities would be released until appropriate family notifications had been made. Officials also urged the public to rely on official sources for updates rather than rumors, speculation or third-party reports.
A global media for the latest news, entertainment, music fashion, and more.
