Two people died due to a chemical leak at a plant in West Virginia, America, while 19 other people were admitted to the hospital. CW Sigman, emergency management director for the Kanawha County Commission, said the leak occurred at the Institute-based silver recovery company Catalyst Refiners plant when workers were preparing to shut down a portion of it.

Sigman said that a chemical gas reaction took place between nitric acid and another substance in the plant. He said that this reaction caused the chemicals to react rapidly and they immediately became highly reactive. Officials said the victims included seven ambulance personnel who responded to the spill.

Chemical leak in silver refining plant

Officials said two people died and 19 others were hospitalized, including one in critical condition, due to a chemical leak at a silver refining plant in West Virginia. Kanawha County Commission Emergency Management Director C.W. Sigman told a press briefing that a chemical gas reaction occurred between nitric acid and another substance at the plant.

Seven ambulance workers also became victims of the accident

He further said that the chemicals had a strong reaction and they overreacted within a moment. Sigman said that starting or ending a chemical reaction is the most dangerous time. Officials said seven ambulance personnel were among those injured during the leak. Others were taken to hospitals in private cars or, in one case, garbage trucks, Sigman said.

Kanawha County Commission Chairman Ben Salango said one person is in critical condition. Several patients were being treated at Vandalia Health Charleston Area Medical Center, one of several hospitals in the area, some of whom were transported by ambulance, while community members were arriving to get checked Wednesday afternoon.

Patients have cough and difficulty breathing

Hospital spokesperson Dale Witte said patients were experiencing respiratory symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, sore throat and itching in the eyes. A shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area, which was lifted after more than five hours. Officials said all the deaths and injuries occurred on the plant premises.

The company expressed grief over the death

Ames Goldsmith Corp, owner of Catalyst Refiners, said it was deeply saddened by the deaths and its thoughts were with all those affected and their families. The company's statement issued in the press briefing said, this is a very difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with our colleagues and their families. Ames Goldsmith promised to cooperate with local, state and federal authorities in the investigation of the incident.