INSTITUTE, W.Va. (AP) — A catastrophic chemical leak occurred at a silver recovery business in West Virginia on Wednesday, taking the lives of two individuals and leaving 19 others hospitalized, including one in critical condition.
The incident happened at the Catalyst Refiners plant as workers were in the process of shutting down parts of the facility, according to C.W. Sigman, emergency management director for Kanawha County.
A reaction involving nitric acid caused a violent chemical release that was described as an overreaction by officials. Sigman noted that the most perilous times during chemical processes are at the start and end of reactions.
Among the injured were several emergency responders, with reports of some people being taken to hospitals using private vehicles and even in a garbage truck.
Witte, a hospital spokesman, indicated that many patients presented respiratory issues such as coughing, shortness of breath, and sore throats upon arrival. Emergency evaluations were promptly conducted.
A nearby medical facility reported treating a dozen patients, most of whom were uninjured but were present in the vicinity when the leak occurred. Fortunately, none of these injuries were considered life-threatening.
A shelter-in-place order was initially enforced for the surrounding area but was rescinded after five hours as investigations began. Sigman remarked that the odor of the chemicals was only detectable when close to the facility.
The chemical leak necessitated a significant decontamination operation, requiring individuals to remove contaminated clothing and undergo spraying. Catalyst Refiners specializes in extracting silver from chemical residue, and the plant has been a focal point of the community's operations.
Pledging cooperation with local and federal agencies, Ames Goldsmith Corp. expressed condolences for the loss of life and affirmed support for all affected families. Company president Frank Barber highlighted the tragic nature of the incident, emphasizing the company's commitment to investigate the causes meticulously.
Situated about 10 miles west of Charleston, the facility operates in an area historically known as West Virginia's 'chemical valley.' Although many similar operations have closed or altered ownership over the years, the community remains profoundly affected by the lingering impacts of chemical manufacturing.
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Jeffrey Collins contributed to this report from Columbia, South Carolina.
