Chemical Leak at West Virginia Industrial Plant
The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) opened an investigation on June 23, 2026, into a fatal chemical release at the Catalyst Refiners, Inc. facility in Institute, West Virginia, which occurred on April 22, 2026. As of June 23, 2026, the incident resulted in two worker fatalities and 19 injuries, including seven ambulance workers, and involved a reaction between nitric acid and N2000A producing hydrogen sulfide gas. The facility, owned by Ames Goldsmith Corporation, was in the process of shutting down and slated for closure in June. Governor Patrick Morrisey stated that state agencies are coordinating with county officials to investigate the incident, while worker advocates express concern over proposed defunding of the CSB.
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August 2026 — 1 developments
CSB Updates Investigation into West Virginia Chemical Leak Findings
The U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) released an update on August 13, 2026, regarding the fatal chemical release at the Catalyst Refiners facility. Investigators found that workers were not required to wear respirators or personal gas monitors during the decommissioning process, and some available respirators lacked appropriate filters for hazardous gases.
June 2026 — 3 developments
US Chemical Safety Board Investigates Fatal Chemical Release at West Virginia Plant
The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) has opened an investigation into the fatal chemical release at the Catalyst Refiners, Inc. facility. The incident occurred on April 22, 2026, resulting in two worker fatalities and several injuries. The facility is owned by Ames Goldsmith Corporation and is involved in silver and ethylene oxide catalyst refining operations.
West Virginia Chemical Leak: 30 Hospitalized, Air Quality Poses No Public Threat
Air quality in the area of the chemical leak at Catalyst Refiners plant poses no threat to the public, according to Kanawha County Emergency Management Director C.W. Sigman. The leak, which occurred on April 22, 2026, resulted in two fatalities and hospitalized approximately 30 people, including first responders.
US Agency Investigating West Virginia Chemical Leak Faces Proposed Defunding
The Trump administration has proposed defunding the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB), an agency investigating the April 22, 2026, chemical leak at the Catalyst Refiners plant in West Virginia. Worker advocates are concerned that dismantling the CSB could leave states vulnerable to future industrial accidents.
May 2026 — 1 developments
West Virginia Chemical Plant Leak Identified as Hydrogen Sulfide Release
The chemical leak at the Catalyst Refiners plant involved a reaction between nitric acid and N2000A, producing poisonous hydrogen sulfide gas. Investigations are ongoing, with a final report expected. One report indicates at least 30 people were hospitalized.
April 2026 — 3 developments
West Virginia Chemical Leak: Plant Closure, Victim Condition, and Investigation Details Emerge
The Ames Goldsmith Catalyst Refiners plant, where a chemical leak killed two and injured 19, was in the process of shutting down and slated for closure in June. One victim was in serious condition with respiratory symptoms, necessitating a large-scale decontamination operation. Governor Patrick Morrisey stated that state agencies, including the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, are coordinating with county officials to investigate the incident.
West Virginia chemical leak kills 2, injures 19 at Catalyst Refiners plant
A chemical leak at the Catalyst Refiners plant in Institute, West Virginia, on April 22, 2026, resulted in two fatalities and 19 injuries, including seven ambulance workers. The incident occurred during a shutdown preparation, involving a reaction with nitric acid. A shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area and has since been lifted.
Chemical Leak at West Virginia Plant Kills Two, Injures 19
A significant chemical leak occurred at an industrial plant located in West Virginia, leading to a critical emergency situation. The incident tragically claimed the lives of two people and left at least 19 others with injuries. Emergency responders were immediately dispatched to the site to manage the unfolding crisis, provide medical assistance, and secure the area. The specific chemical involved and the exact cause of the leak are under investigation.