2 dead in 'chemical release' at West Virginia manufacturing facility
NBC News • • nation
Key Points:
- Two workers died and one person remains in critical condition following a chemical release at Catalyst Refiners, Inc. in Kanawha County, West Virginia, during a cleaning and decontamination process at the plant.
- The incident involved a violent reaction between chemicals M2000A and nitric acid, causing an explosion and the release of hydrogen sulfide gas, a toxic and flammable substance.
- Over 30 people, including seven EMS workers, sought medical treatment after the incident, which occurred as the plant was preparing to close in June.
- Authorities issued a temporary shelter-in-place order and closed nearby roads as a precaution, but Governor Patrick Morrisey confirmed there is no known environmental risk to public air or water quality.
- Federal and state agencies, including the Department of Environmental Protection and the EPA, are investigating the incident, with Ames Goldsmith Corp. cooperating fully and expressing condolences to the affected families.
