Chemical leak at a West Virginia plant kills 2 people and sends 30 more to hospitals, officials say

Key Points:

• A chemical leak at the Catalyst Refiners silver recovery plant in Institute, West Virginia, killed two people and hospitalized about 30 others, including one in serious condition, due to a violent chemical reaction involving nitric acid that produced toxic hydrogen sulfide gas.
• Seven ambulance workers were among the injured, highlighting the risks faced by first responders; a shelter-in-place order was issued and later lifted, with no reported impact on local air quality or water supply.
• Patients treated at local hospitals exhibited respiratory symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, and itchy eyes, with some individuals arriving by private vehicles or even a garbage truck.
• Ames Goldsmith Corp., owner of Catalyst Refiners, expressed condolences and pledged cooperation with authorities, while OSHA has launched a six-month investigation into the incident.
• The plant, located in West Virginia’s "chemical valley," specializes in recovering silver from chemical processes and other materials, emphasizing the hazardous nature of the industry in the region.