Two dead after chemical release at West Virginia manufacturing plant, dozens seek care

KANAWHA COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA: A routine process at a manufacturing facility turned tragic after a chemical release left two workers dead and sent more than 30 people for medical evaluation on Wednesday, April 22.

The incident happened around 9:46 am at Catalyst Refiners, Inc. in Institute, a plant that manufactures silver catalyst and was already in the process of shutting down operations. Officials said what began as a cleaning and decommissioning task quickly escalated into a dangerous situation.

By the time first responders reached the scene, two workers had already died.

Chemical reaction during cleanup led to deadly incident at Catalyst Refiners plant

Authorities said the incident occurred during a cleaning and decontamination process at the facility.

Workers were decommissioning a tank when two chemicals - M2000A and nitric acid - were mixed in a pump area.

That combination triggered a powerful reaction.

Kanawha County Emergency Management Director C.W. Sigman described it as “a violent reaction” that “instantaneously overcame” the workers.

Officials said the reaction led to the release of hydrogen sulfide, a toxic and flammable gas. The situation unfolded quickly, leaving little time for those nearby to react.

Deputy County Attorney Christopher Settles said the two workers were found dead at the scene when the emergency crew arrived.

More than 30 people treated after exposure as officials assess impact

In the hours following the incident, more than 30 people sought medical care.

This included seven EMS workers and others from the surrounding area who were evaluated out of caution.

One person was reported to be in critical condition.

Officials stressed that the response was handled carefully, with emergency teams working to contain the situation and assess any possible risk to the wider community.

A shelter-in-place order was issued for several nearby schools, and some roads were temporarily closed as a precaution.

These restrictions were later lifted once officials determined the immediate danger had passed.

Officials say no environmental risk as investigation begins

Governor Patrick Morrisey addressed concerns about the broader impact of the incident, saying there was no evidence of harm to air or water quality.

“Based upon all the information that we have available right now, we don’t believe there have been compromises to the air quality or to the water supply,” he said. “That’s been unaffected by this. That’s positive.”

He added that the state is working closely with local authorities and federal agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency, to manage the situation and support cleanup efforts.

“I’ve said whatever they need, they’re going to get a phone call back and a very likely yes in a very short period of time,” Morrisey said.

Kanawha County Commission President Ben Salango confirmed that both state and federal agencies are now investigating what led to the chemical reaction.

Company responds as the facility closure loomed

The plant is owned by Ames Goldsmith Corp., which had already planned to shut down the facility in June.

According to a company spokesperson, the incident occurred while workers were preparing the site for closure.

Company president Frank Barber confirmed that the two workers who died were employees at the facility.

Their identities have not yet been released, and autopsies are expected to be conducted.

Barber said the company is cooperating fully with investigators and stressed that the chemical fumes were contained within a single building.

“This is an unfathomably difficult time,” he said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with our colleagues and their families.”