Chemical Reaction at West Virginia Silver Recovery Plant Kills Two, Injures 19

Chemical Reaction at West Virginia Silver Recovery Plant Kills Two, Injures 19

A hazardous chemical reaction at a silver recovery facility in West Virginia resulted in two fatalities and left 19 others requiring hospitalization on Wednesday morning. The incident unfolded at Catalyst Refiners, located in Institute, when workers were in the process of decommissioning the plant.

According to Kanawha County authorities, the accident occurred at approximately 9:30 a.m. when a volatile chemical reaction transpired between nitric acid and a substance designated M2000A during cleaning and decontamination procedures. The reaction produced hydrogen sulphide, an extremely toxic gas that ignited what officials described as a sudden and forceful chemical explosion.

Emergency Response and Public Safety Measures

Kanawha County Commission Emergency Management Director C.W. Sigman characterized the incident as "a violent reaction of chemicals, and it instantaneously overreacted." He further noted that "the two most dangerous times of a chemical plant's life is start-up and shut down."

First responders reached the scene shortly before 10 a.m., initiating immediate protective measures. Officials implemented a shelter-in-place directive covering a one-mile radius surrounding the facility, while emergency alerts notified residents and businesses in the vicinity. Route 25, which runs directly in front of the plant, was closed to traffic, and nearby Route 60 was temporarily shut down as a precautionary measure. Local schools in the area implemented shelter-in-place protocols out of abundance of caution.

The shelter-in-place orders were lifted approximately five hours after the incident was declared under control.

Casualties and Decontamination Efforts

A total of 21 individuals were transported to medical facilities, including the two who died. Among those hospitalized were seven ambulance workers who had responded to the emergency call. Authorities declined to disclose the identities of the deceased or the injured individuals.

The cleanup operation demanded extensive decontamination procedures, during which affected individuals were required to remove all clothing and undergo spray decontamination protocols.

About the Facility and Company Response

Catalyst Refiners operates as a small, warehouse-style operation specializing in silver extraction from residual materials produced during chemical manufacturing processes. Director Sigman explained that the company's operations can recover thousands of dollars in silver simply through vacuuming procedures conducted within plant facilities.

Several plant employees present during the incident declined voluntary hospital examination following the spill. "We can't make them go," Sigman stated.

Ames Goldsmith Corp., the parent company of Catalyst Refiners, released a statement expressing the gravity of the situation: "This is an unfathomably difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with our colleagues and their families." The corporation pledged to cooperate fully with local, state, and federal investigators as the inquiry into the accident proceeds.