A violent chemical reaction at a West Virginia plant killed two people and sent about 30 others to the hospital. Emergency responders were called to Catalyst Refiners, a silver recovery business, just before 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday. “Officials said two people died and others received medical treatment after a chemical reaction resulted in the release of hydrogen sulfide at Catalyst Refiners in Institute,” WCHS reports. #BREAKING: Officials say two people have died and 19 others were transported to hospitals following a deadly chemical spill incident in the town of Institute West Virginia. Authorities report that a chemical reaction at Catalyst Refiners led to the release of hydrogen sulfide,… pic.twitter.com/fulghpfpoX — R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) April 23, 2026 “We really need prayers tonight coming out of West Virginia for the individuals who lost their lives today and for an individual we know to be in serious condition and for everyone who has been affected by today’s incident,” West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey said, according to WCHS. “We have a lot of people to thank. I think we’re fortunate to be in a place where we’re collaborating. We’re going to do everything we can to help the people of Kanawha County and across our state,” he added. “The West Virginia Department of Homeland Security’s Emergency Management Division (EMD), the Department of Health, and the Department of Environmental Protection are coordinating closely with Kanawha County Emergency Management to address a chemical incident at the Ames Goldsmith Catalyst Refiners along the border of Nitro and Institute. EMD personnel are currently stationed at the county’s Command Center to provide direct operational support and DEP is providing decontamination and disposal assistance. State emergency leaders continue to monitor the situation and remain ready to deploy additional resources,” Morrisey wrote on X. “A number of individuals are currently receiving treatment at local hospitals, and state agencies stand ready to assist those affected as well. Residents in the surrounding area should continue to follow the Personal Protective Measures issued by Kanawha County for further safety guidance and updates,” he continued. Governor Morrisey Issues Statement on Chemical Incident in Kanawha County The West Virginia Department of Homeland Security’s Emergency Management Division (EMD), the Department of Health, and the Department of Environmental Protection are coordinating closely with Kanawha… — Governor Patrick Morrisey (@wvgovernor) April 22, 2026 WCHS shared further: The incident was reported Wednesday morning, prompting a mile-wide shelter in place that has since been lifted. County officials said there is no threat to the public as air and water tests have been conducted in Institute, Dunbar, Nitro and St. Albans. The Department of Environmental Protection is assisting with cleanup efforts and disposing of waste materials. Two people have died following a chemical incident at Catalyst Refiners in the Institute area, Kanawha County officials confirmed Wednesday. World News Tonight shared video coverage: Emergency crews are on the scene of a deadly chemical leak at a plant in West Virginia. At least 2 people were killed and more than two dozen received medical treatment. @sramosABC reports on the leak that's forced residents to shelter in place for a time. https://t.co/Vk5wtdoSCY pic.twitter.com/QENRIa95ZK — World News Tonight (@ABCWorldNews) April 22, 2026 More from The New York Times: The Ames Goldsmith Corporation, which operates the plant, said that the deaths included two “colleagues,” and that a third person was being treated at a hospital. Other employees were being evaluated at a hospital as a precaution, the company added. Ames Goldsmith said the casualties were the result of an industrial incident that “appears to have resulted in the creation of chemical fumes” at the plant. The fumes were contained in one building, it said. Ben Salango, the president of the Kanawha County Commissioners, said at a news conference that preliminary information indicated that the site was “shutting down operations” and that cleaning and decontamination activities were underway when the episode occurred. It was not immediately clear how much of the facility was being shut down. “At this time it is believed that a chemical reaction occurred during that cleaning process that created hydrogen sulfide,” Mr. Salango said. Hydrogen sulfide is a flammable, colorless gas that smells like rotten eggs. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, just a few breaths of air containing high levels of hydrogen sulfide can cause death. Longer-term exposure at lower levels can cause eye irritation, headache and fatigue. During a news conference on Wednesday evening, state officials assured residents that both the water and air surrounding the plant were chemical-free. Watch additional coverage below: