A chemical spill at the Catalyst Refiners site in Kanawha County, West Virginia, led to the unfortunate deaths of two individuals and required medical intervention for 21 others, including several first responders.
This incident occurred at a facility owned by Ames Goldsmith Corp. while decommissioning operations were underway, specifically during the cleaning of a tank on Wednesday morning. The chemical mishap unfolded at approximately 9:30 a.m. local time, as reported by Newsweek.
Kanawha County Emergency Management officials indicated that the accident transpired when off-gases containing nitric acid and M2000A reacted violently, generating toxic hydrogen sulfide gas, which can cause severe respiratory issues at high concentrations.
The noxious fumes were confined to a single structure; employees were swiftly evacuated by their colleagues. Among those monitored were seven EMS personnel who were assessed as a safety precaution.
BREAKING: A chemical leak at a West Virginia silver recovery business killed two people and sent 19 others to the hospital, authorities said.
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A shelter-in-place order was established promptly following the event, accompanied by road closures in the vicinity. Hazmat teams and emergency management officials remained active on-site to secure the facility and conduct air-quality assessments.
According to Kanawha County Commission President Ben Salango, a total of 21 individuals either received transport to local hospitals or obtained medical attention at the scene, with one person reported in critical condition.
“We expect OSHA, DEP, and the National Chemical Safety Board to launch inquiries into this incident,” Salango remarked.
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey stated, “The West Virginia Department of Homeland Security’s Emergency Management Division, alongside other agencies, is working closely with local officials to respond to this chemical crisis at Ames Goldsmith Catalyst Refiners.” He continued, “We are committed to ensuring the safety of our residents and have personnel on standby to offer support and additional resources as needed.”
