Chemical leak at a West Virginia plant kills 2 people and sends 19 to hospital, officials say
WRAL • • nation
Key Points:
- A chemical leak at the Catalyst Refiners silver recovery plant in Institute, West Virginia, resulted in two deaths and hospitalized 19 others, including one in critical condition.
- The leak involved a violent chemical reaction between nitric acid and another substance during facility shutdown preparations.
- Among the injured were seven ambulance workers, with others arriving at hospitals by private vehicles or even a garbage truck; symptoms included respiratory issues like cough and shortness of breath.
- A shelter-in-place order was issued and later lifted, and a large-scale decontamination process was conducted for those exposed.
- Ames Goldsmith Corp., the plant's owner, expressed condolences and pledged cooperation with authorities investigating the incident.
