A chemical leak at a West Virginia factory killed two people and injured 19 others, US authorities said Wednesday.
A Leak occurred at Catalyst Refiners factorya silver recovery company in Institute, said CW Sigman, director of emergency management for the Kanawha County Commission.
One chemical reaction involving nitric acid and another substance occurred at the factory, Sigman detailed in a press conference.
The reaction provoked “a violent reaction of chemicals, which instantly overreacted”, added the same source, cited by the Associated Press (AP).
“The beginning and end of a chemical reaction are the most dangerous moments,” Sigman pointed out.
One warning for people to stay in their homes was issued for the area around the refinery and suspended more than five hours later.
Authorities reported that all deaths and injuries occurred on refinery facilities.
Among the injured were seven paramedics who were attending the incident. of the escape, according to authorities.
Other people were taken to hospitals in private cars or, in one case, even in a garbage truck, Sigman said.
A escape required a major decontamination operation, in which people had to take off all their clothes and be disinfected with water, authorities revealed.
Ames Goldsmith Corp., owner of Catalyst Refiners, stated that she was appalled by the deaths and that her thoughts were with all those affected and their families.
“This is a time of immense difficulty. Our thoughts and prayers are with our colleagues and their families,” the company said in a statement released at the press conference.
Ames Goldsmith promised to collaborate with local, state and federal authorities in investigating what happened.
A company is located near Institutea city about 10 miles west of Charleston, the state capital.
