CHARLESTON, W.Va. — State and county emergency officials are continuing to respond after a violent chemical reaction at the Ames Goldsmith Catalyst Refiners facility along the Nitro–Institute border killed two workers and sent more than 20 others to area hospitals on Wednesday.
According to Kanawha County Emergency Management, the incident occurred around 9:30 a.m. during shutdown and decontamination operations at the plant. Two chemicals — identified as M2000A and nitric acid — unintentionally mixed, triggering a rapid reaction that produced hydrogen sulfide, a highly toxic gas. Officials said the reaction “instantaneously overcame” workers inside the building.
Two employees died at the scene. Twenty‑one people sought medical treatment, including several EMS responders who were exposed while assisting. One individual remains in critical condition. Patients reported respiratory symptoms consistent with hydrogen sulfide exposure, including coughing, shortness of breath, and throat irritation.
The West Virginia Emergency Management Division, Department of Health, and Department of Environmental Protection are working alongside Kanawha County authorities. EMD personnel are stationed at the county’s Command Center, while DEP teams are providing decontamination and disposal support. Officials say they are prepared to deploy additional resources as needed.
A one‑mile shelter‑in‑place order was issued shortly after the incident and later lifted once air monitoring showed no ongoing threat. Route 25 was temporarily closed to allow emergency access.
Governor Patrick Morrisey said the state is fully engaged in the response. “Our top priority is the safety and well-being of our citizens,” Morrisey said. “We are working around the clock with local officials to ensure this incident is contained and that all necessary state resources are on the ground to protect the community.”
The Ames Goldsmith facility was already in the process of being decommissioned and preparing for closure later this year — a phase emergency officials note can involve heightened risk due to chemical cleaning and equipment shutdown.
State and county agencies will continue providing updates as the investigation moves forward.
