Officials: Two dead after chemical incident in Institute area; shelter in place lifted
WCHS • • nation
Key Points:
- Two people have died following a chemical incident at Catalyst Refiners in Kanawha County, with 21 individuals seeking medical treatment and one in critical condition, according to county officials.
- The incident involved a "violent" chemical reaction releasing hydrogen sulfide, prompting a mile-wide shelter-in-place order that has since been reduced to the immediate area near Catalyst Refiners.
- Seven of those treated were Kanawha County EMS workers, and at least seven people were transported to hospitals for evaluation.
- West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey stated that state security, health, and environmental officials are collaborating with local emergency crews to contain the spill and protect the community.
- The shelter-in-place order has been lifted in some areas, including West Virginia State University's campus, though classes were canceled for the day and Route 25 remains closed as the scene is processed.
