Two people died as a result of a chemical leak at a silver catalyst manufacturing plant in Kanawha County, West Virginia, USA on Wednesday, officials said, UNN reports with reference to Reuters.
Details
The incident occurred at the Catalyst Refiners plant in the unincorporated community of Institute, according to a statement from the county commission posted on Facebook, adding that one person is in critical condition.
More than 30 people, including seven rescuers, were taken or arrived at the hospital themselves, some as a precaution, said Kanawha County Deputy Prosecutor Christopher Settles.
"A national, state and local investigation into this chemical leak will be conducted," said Kanawha County Commission President Ben Salango at a press conference.
County officials said they believe a chemical reaction created deadly hydrogen sulfide gas during the plant's cleaning and decontamination in preparation for its closure.
According to Salango, the plant belonged to Ames Goldsmith Corporation.
Frank Barber, president of Ames Goldsmith Corporation, said the deceased were company employees, ABC News reported, citing his statement.
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