Institute, West Virginia – A chemical leak at a silver recovery plant in Kanawha County resulted in two fatalities and sent 19 people to hospitals on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, according to local emergency officials. The incident occurred at Catalyst Refiners in Institute while workers were preparing to shut down part of the facility.
C.W. Sigman, director of Kanawha County Emergency Management, confirmed during a press briefing that the leak involved nitric acid and another unidentified substance, triggering a violent chemical reaction. “Initiating or terminating a chemical reaction are the most dangerous moments,” Sigman stated, emphasizing the inherent risks during process transitions.
Among the injured were seven emergency medical responders who arrived at the scene to assist. Others were transported to area hospitals by private vehicles and, in one case, a garbage truck. A shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area and remained in effect for over five hours before being lifted.
Emergency Response and Casualty Details
Authorities reported that two individuals died as a direct result of chemical exposure. While their identities have not been publicly released, Sigman confirmed both were personnel associated with the plant. The 19 hospitalized individuals included plant workers and first responders, with injuries ranging from respiratory irritation to more severe chemical exposure symptoms.
Local hospitals activated emergency protocols to receive patients. Kanawha County Emergency Medical Services coordinated transport, noting that the seven ambulance crew members who responded were among those requiring medical evaluation after exposure.
Investigation Underway
The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have launched investigations into the cause of the reaction. Sigman stated that investigators are examining whether proper safety protocols were followed during the shutdown procedure.
Catalyst Refiners, which specializes in recovering silver from industrial waste, has not issued a public statement as of Wednesday evening. The facility is located in the Institute area of unincorporated Kanawha County, near Charleston.
Community Impact and Safety Measures
The shelter-in-place directive affected residents and businesses within a one-mile radius of the plant. Local schools were placed on lockdown, and road closures were implemented on nearby routes including Pennsylvania Avenue and Institute Road.
Air quality monitors deployed by the West Virginia Division of Air Quality showed no detectable levels of harmful chemicals beyond the immediate facility perimeter after the initial release dissipated. Officials advised residents to maintain windows closed and ventilation systems off until the all-clear was given.
This incident marks one of the most significant industrial accidents in the Kanawha Valley since the 2014 Freedom Industries chemical spill that contaminated the Elk River and affected over 300,000 residents’ water supply.
Ongoing Developments
As of Thursday morning, the investigation remains active. OSHA officials confirmed they have deployed a team to the site to review safety procedures, training records, and equipment maintenance logs. The West Virginia State Police are assisting with evidence collection.
No arrests or citations have been issued at this time. Catalyst Refiners may face regulatory penalties if investigations determine violations of state or federal safety regulations.
Residents seeking updates are encouraged to monitor the Kanawha County Emergency Management website and official social media channels for verified information.
For official updates on the investigation, visit the Occupational Safety and Health Administration website or contact the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection.
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