KANAWHA COUNTY, W.Va. — A deadly chemical incident at the Catalyst Refiners facility in Institute on Wednesday left two people dead, sent more than 20 individuals for medical evaluation, and prompted a one‑mile shelter‑in‑place order as emergency crews responded to what officials described as a violent chemical reaction.
The emergency was reported shortly after 9:30 a.m. as workers were conducting shutdown, cleaning, and decontamination operations at the silver‑catalyst manufacturing site, which is preparing for closure later this year. During that process, a reaction involving nitric acid and another chemical triggered an explosive release of hydrogen sulfide, according to Kanawha County Emergency Management Director C.W. Sigman.
Employees used respirators to pull affected workers from the area before first responders arrived. Emergency crews performed CPR on at least two victims at the scene. In total, up to 30 people sought treatment, including seven first responders exposed during rescue efforts. One person remained in critical condition as of Wednesday night.
A shelter‑in‑place order was issued for communities surrounding the plant, including portions of Institute, Nitro, and areas near West Virginia State University. The order was lifted by mid‑afternoon after air monitoring showed no off‑site exposure. Officials said there was no confirmed impact to local water systems.
Governor Patrick Morrisey said state agencies—including the Department of Environmental Protection, Department of Homeland Security’s Emergency Management Division, and Department of Health—are assisting with cleanup, monitoring, and enforcement. The DEP and EPA have installed 11 continuous air monitors around and downwind of the facility, all of which have shown non‑detect levels for hydrogen sulfide so far.
OSHA has opened a formal investigation with a six‑month deadline, and DEP’s Environmental Enforcement team is reviewing the facility’s compliance with state and federal regulations. The plant’s owner, Ames Goldsmith Corp., said its focus remains on employees, families, and the ongoing investigation.
Road closures and cleanup operations continued into Thursday as officials worked to secure the site and gather additional information.
