West Virginia chemical spill leaves two dead and at least 19 hurt after 'violent reaction'

West Virginia chemical spill leaves two dead and at least 19 hurt after 'violent reaction'Two people have died and 19 others have been hospitalised after a chemical spill at a plant in West Virginia - this is a breaking storyCommentsNewsEliana Nunes News Reporter20:32, 22 Apr 2026Updated 20:38, 22 Apr 2026View ImageA leak at a chemical plant left two people dead(Image: AP)Two people have died and 19 others have been hospitalised after a chemical spill at a plant in West Virginia.‌The leak followed a "violent reaction of chemicals" at the Catalyst Refiners plant, a silver recovery business in Institute, at around 9.30am local time on Wednesday, Kanawha County Commission Emergency Management Chief C.W. Sigman said.‌Cleaning and decontamination activities were underway as part of preparations to shut down the site when a chemical gas reaction occurred involving nitric acid and another substance. The reaction produced hydrogen sulphide, which is a highly toxic gas. It caused "a violent reaction of chemicals, and it instantaneously overreacted", Sigman said.‌Among the injured were seven ambulance workers responding to the leak, officials said. Other people were taken to the hospitals in private cars or even in one case a garbage truck, Sigman said.A shelter-in-place was ordered for a one-mile radius around the site as first responders arrived, officials said. "Starting or ending a chemical reaction are the most dangerous times," Sigman said.Article continues belowThis is a Breaking News story. You’ll be more likely to see our stories when any big news breaks in future by simply by clicking this link. You can also join The Mirror’s WhatsApp Community or follow us on Google News, Flipboard, Apple News, TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads - or visit The Mirror homepage.