INSTITUTE, W.Va. (WCHS) — UPDATED – 2:10 p.m., 4/22/26
Two people have died following a chemical incident at Catalyst Refiners in the Institute area, Kanawha County officials confirmed Wednesday.
A total of 21 people have either been transported to local hospitals or have sought medical treatment on site, including those who have died, according to Kanawha County Commission President Ben Salango. One person is currently in critical condition.
Salango said seven of the people treated were Kanawha County EMS workers.
The incident was reported about 9:30 a.m. Wednesday morning, prompting a mile-wide shelter in place that has since been scaled down to the area near Catalyst Refiners.
A shelter in place has been lifted for the area but Route 25 will remain closed as the scene is processed.
The shelter in place was called after a “violent” chemical reaction resulted in hydrogen sulfide being released.
While the shelter in place has been lifted for West Virginia State University’s campus, officials said classes for the remainder of the day have been canceled.
UPDATED – 12:28 p.m., 4/22/26
As of 12:15 p.m., a shelter in place is still active from Catalyst Refiners to West Virginia State University in the Institute area.
The order has been lifted for all other areas, according to Metro 911.
original-D11DC5D3-3876-48A5-9298-D72D721F67DE (1).jpeg
Officials said at least seven people have been taken off site for medical evaluation. No information was provided on their conditions.
UPDATED – 12 p.m., 4/22/26
West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey issued a statement regarding a chemical spill that occurred Wednesday morning in Kanawha County.
The governor said state security, health and environmental officials are working with local emergency crews to address a spill at the Ames Goldsmith Catalyst Refiners.
Our top priority is the safety and well-being of our citizens. We are working around the clock with local officials to ensure this incident is contained and that all necessary state resources are on the ground to protect the community.
Residents in surrounding areas are urged to follow protective measures issued by Kanawha County officials.
Officials said at least seven people have been taken off site for medical evaluation.
UPDATED – 11:27 a.m., 4/22/26
At least seven people have been taken to Kanawha County hospitals Wednesday after a reported chemical spill at Catalyst Refiners, according to county officials.
The Kanawha County spokesperson said the people were transported from the site of the incident for medical evaluation. No details were provided on the extent of their injuries.
A shelter in place order remains from West Virginia State University to the Nitro/St. Albans Bridge on the Route 25 side of the river.
UPDATED – 10:40 a.m., 4/22/26
A shelter in place affecting portions of St. Albans has been lifted as of about 10:30 a.m., according to Metro 911.
MacCorkle Avenue in the area of St. Albans and Jefferson has also been reopened. The shelter in place affecting the Institute area remains in place.
Kanawha County officials confirmed the shelter in place was precautionary due to a reported leak of nitric acid used for cleaning and chemical processing at Catalyst Refiners.
Officials said Kanawha County’s Emergency Operations Center has been activated and hazmat crews are on scene and assessing the situation.
Traffic on Interstate 64 is not affected.
ORIGINAL STORY
A shelter in place order has been issued for part of Institute after a reported incident at Catalyst Refiners.
The order spans from West Virginia State University to the Nitro/St. Albans Bridge on both the Route 25 and Route 60 side of the river, according to Metro 911.
Metro 911 said First Avenue South from New Goff Mountain Road to Kilowatt Road is closed, as well as MacCorkle Avenue in the area of St. Albans and Jefferson.
Drivers are asked to avoid the area if possible. Residents should stay indoors until the order is lifted.
No other details were immediately available. This story will be updated as more information is provided.
