Chemical Incident at West Virginia Silver Recovery Plant Leaves Two Dead
A violent chemical reaction between nitric acid and another substance released toxic hydrogen sulfide fumes, resulting in two fatalities and multiple hospitalizations.
On Wednesday, April 22, 2026, a chemical incident occurred at the Catalyst Refiners facility in the Institute area of Kanawha County, West Virginia. The incident was reported at approximately 9:30 a.m.
The Incident
According to officials, a violent chemical reaction took place between nitric acid and another substance, identified in one company statement as M2000A. This reaction resulted in the release of hydrogen sulfide fumes. Kanawha County Commission Emergency Management Director C.W. Sigman stated the reaction was "violent" and occurred instantaneously.
Casualties and Medical Response
Two individuals died as a result of the incident. Both were identified as employees of Ames Goldsmith Corp., which owns and operates the Catalyst Refiners facility.
Multiple people received medical treatment. Sources report varying totals for hospital transports, ranging from 19 to 30 individuals. One person was reported to be in critical or serious condition. Among those treated were seven Kanawha County EMS workers who responded to the incident. Some injured individuals were transported to hospitals in private vehicles.
Patients were reported to be experiencing respiratory symptoms, including cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, and itchy eyes. Multiple hospitals, including Vandalia Health Charleston Area Medical Center and WVU Medicine Thomas Memorial Hospital, treated patients.
Officials stated all fatalities and injuries occurred on the plant site, with no injuries reported in the surrounding community.
A large-scale decontamination operation was conducted at the scene, involving the removal of clothing and spraying down of individuals. Those inside the affected building were evacuated by fellow employees using respirators.
Emergency Measures and Community Impact
A shelter-in-place order was issued for a mile-wide area surrounding the facility. This order was lifted more than five hours after the incident. Route 25 near the facility remained closed following the incident.
Officials stated that local air quality and the water supply were believed to be unaffected. No residential areas were reported to be impacted. As a precaution, classes at West Virginia State University for the remainder of the day were canceled.
Hazardous materials crews were preparing to enter the facility to assess the scene once it was deemed safe.
Official Statements and Investigation
Kanawha County Commission President Ben Salango confirmed the fatalities and the number of people receiving medical treatment.
In a statement, Ames Goldsmith Corp. President Frank Barber said the company is "saddened by the deaths" and that its thoughts are with those impacted. He described the situation as an "unfathomably difficult time" and expressed gratitude for the emergency response. The company stated it is working with agencies to determine the cause and will cooperate with investigations.
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey said state officials were working with local crews, stating the top priority was citizen safety. He also expressed gratitude to first responders.
Local, state, and federal investigations regarding the incident are expected. The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has opened an investigation.
Facility Background
Catalyst Refiners works to recover silver from chemical process residues. The plant is located near Institute, approximately 10 miles west of Charleston, in a region historically known as West Virginia's "chemical valley."
According to information provided, the site was in the process of closing down its operations, and cleaning and decontamination efforts were underway when the incident occurred. The incident happened as workers were preparing to shut down at least part of the facility.