On April 22, 2026, a catastrophic chemical incident unfolded at the Catalyst Refiners facility, owned by Ames Goldsmith Corporation, along the boundary between Nitro and Institute, West Virginia. The event led to multiple fatalities,
dozens of injuries, a shelter‑in‑place order, and renewed scrutiny of chemical safety during plant shutdown and decommissioning operations.
What Happened
According to county and state officials, the incident occurred around 9:30 a.m. EDT while workers were cleaning and decommissioning a tank at the Catalyst Refiners site, which was already in the process of shutting down operations. During this process, nitric acid was accidentally mixed with another substance identified as M2000A, triggering an
immediate and violent chemical reaction.
That reaction produced and released hydrogen sulfide gas (H₂S) inside a building where multiple workers were present. Emergency officials described the reaction as instantaneous, overwhelming nearby employees before they could escape. Co‑workers using respirators attempted rescues before first responders arrived.
Hydrogen sulfide is a highly toxic, colorless gas known for its “rotten egg” odor at low concentrations, but at high concentrations it can quickly disable the sense of smell and cause rapid unconsciousness or death.
Deaths and Injuries
Authorities confirmed that two employees died as a result of the release. A third worker was listed in critical condition on April 22, while many others were treated for chemical exposure.
In total:
- 21 employees from the facility were transported to or sought treatment at area hospitals
- At least seven first responders, including EMS personnel, were evaluated after possible exposure
- More than 30 individuals overall received medical evaluation or decontamination
Hospitals activated chemical exposure protocols, including on‑site decontamination tents, particularly at WVU Medicine Thomas Memorial Hospital in South Charleston.
Community Impact and Shelter‑in‑Place
Out of an abundance of caution, Kanawha County Emergency Management issued a shelter‑in‑place order for a one‑mile radius around the facility, affecting parts of Institute, Nitro, St. Albans, Dunbar, and nearby schools, including West Virginia State University. Roads in the area were temporarily closed.
After several hours of monitoring, officials lifted the shelter‑in‑place by mid‑afternoon, stating that air quality tests showed no ongoing threat to the public. Road closures were also lifted later the same day.
Governor Patrick Morrisey reiterated during an evening press conference that state agencies believed neither air quality nor the public water supply had been compromised by the incident.
Remediation and Cleanup Efforts
Following the release, the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) assisted with cleanup, disposal of contaminated materials, and environmental monitoring. The West Virginia Department of Health, Emergency Management Division, and local authorities coordinated response and public safety efforts throughout the day.
At the federal level:
- OSHA confirmed it opened an investigation
- The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) announced it is
investigating the incident to determine root causes and issue safety recommendations
- Officials emphasized that cleanup focused primarily on inside‑facility contamination, as hydrogen sulfide does not persist outdoors once the release stops and the gas disperses.
Why This Incident Matters
Emergency officials noted that start‑ups and
shutdowns are among the most dangerous phases of chemical plant operations, a warning echoed repeatedly in industrial safety literature. Investigators will likely focus on procedural safeguards, hazard analysis, and training protocols during decommissioning work.
For the Kanawha Valley, an area with a long history of chemical manufacturing, this incident has reignited public concern about worker safety, emergency preparedness, and oversight at facilities handling hazardous substances.
Investigation Continues
The April 22, 2026 chemical release near Nitro was a fast‑moving, deadly event caused by an unintended chemical reaction during plant decommissioning. While officials moved quickly to protect the surrounding community and have stated there is no ongoing public health risk, the loss of life and injuries underscore the dangers inherent in industrial chemical operations.
As state and federal investigations continue, their findings will be crucial not only for accountability, but for preventing similar tragedies in West Virginia and beyond.
If you were harmed
If you or a family member were harmed as a result of this accident, there are steps you can take to protect your health and to understand your options during a difficult and uncertain time. Read more here.
