West Virginia chemical leak leaves two dead and one seriously injured
發佈日期: 2026-04-23 21:53
TVB News
A chemical leak in a West Virginia silver recovery plant leaves two dead and one seriously injured. Dozens, including several ambulance workers, were sent to hospital.
Emergency responders rush to the Catalyst Refiners plant in Institute, West Virginia, to reports of a chemical spill that killed two and injured about 30 others, one of whom in serious condition.
Emergency officials say there was a 'violent reaction of the chemicals' and an overreaction when workers were preparing to shut down at least part of the facility when the leak occurred.
Personnel in protective gear were seen heading into the plant to help those injured in the incident. Emergency responders set up tents outside a hospital to treat those affected.
At a press conference, Lance Wheeler, Kanawha County Commissioner, says a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area and lifted more than five hours later when local air quality and water supply were cleared to be unaffected.
Lance Wheeler, Kanawha County Commissioner said, "We have lifted all of the shelter-in-places here in Kanawha County. We have done testing of the air quality in all the areas, including Saint Albans, Nitro, Dunbar, Institute and looking at the weather patterns, and have found that there is no indication of the chemicals in the air affecting the area or the people there as well. And since that time the DEP (Department of Environmental Protection) was able to arrive on scene, help clean up the sites, and we were able to open up route 25 so that people could be able to drive through there."
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey praises first responders, and sends prayers to the victims, including seven injured ambulance workers. He's also ordered a full investigation into the incident.
Patrick Morrisey, West Virginia Governor said, "I know that there will be a lot of questions from the public, and we may not be able to answer every question tonight, but we want to come before you because it's critical to let you know what's happening on the ground."
"Obviously there's going to be an investigation of everything that happened today. And so we'll be working and collaborating with everyone."
The site, about 16 kilometres from the state capital of Charleston, is located in a region known as West Virginia's 'chemical valley.'
