A sudden chemical release at a West Virginia refinery has left two people dead, 21 others injured or needing medical evaluation, and an entire community on edge as investigators work to determine how a routine shutdown turned deadly.

Emergency crews rushed to the Catalyst Refiners site in the Institute area Wednesday morning after reports of a dangerous release triggered a fast-moving hazmat response, shelter-in-place orders, and a wide regional alert across multiple communities.

BREAKING INCIDENT AT REFINERY SHUTDOWN SITE
Kanawha County officials said the incident unfolded at approximately 9:31 a.m. while workers were in the middle of shutting down operations and performing cleaning procedures at the facility.

"Preliminary information indicates the site was in the process of shutting down its operations and cleaning and decontamination activities were underway," Salango said.

Officials now believe a chemical reaction during that process released hydrogen sulfide, a toxic gas that can pose serious health risks at high concentrations.

"At this time, it is believed that a chemical reaction occurred during that cleaning process that created hydrogen sulfide," Salango said.

RAPID EMERGENCY RESPONSE AS SIRENS SOUNDED ACROSS COMMUNITIES
Metro 911 received the initial report at 9:33 a.m., just minutes after the release. By 9:46 a.m., Kanawha County had activated its Emergency Operations Center as first responders moved in and containment efforts began.

"Emergency management, hazmat teams and first responders were immediately notified," Salango said.

Sirens were activated shortly after, followed by a wireless emergency alert sent to residents in Institute, Dunbar, Nitro, and St. Albans. Authorities also shut down nearby roads, including Routes 25 and 60, as a precaution against exposure.

Kanawha County Schools activated shelter-in-place protocols at several campuses outside the official danger zone, a decision officials said was made out of caution as conditions developed rapidly.

CASUALTIES CONFIRMED AS HOSPITALS RECEIVE PATIENTS
Officials confirmed that 21 people were treated or transported for medical evaluation. That includes five emergency medical services workers who were exposed while responding to the scene.

One person remains in critical condition.

"I am sad to report that two individuals have passed away as a result of the incident," Salango said.

INVESTIGATION UNDERWAY AS HAZMAT CREWS MONITOR AIR
Hazmat teams remain at the refinery conducting continuous air monitoring as investigators prepare to safely enter the facility and determine what caused the deadly chemical reaction.

Federal authorities have been notified through the National Response Center as the scope of the investigation expands.

STATE AND LOCAL AGENCIES MOBILIZE RESPONSE
Gov. Patrick Morrisey said multiple state agencies are actively working alongside local officials to manage the crisis and support the response effort.

The West Virginia Department of Homeland Security’s Emergency Management Division, the state Department of Health, and the Department of Environmental Protection are coordinating directly with Kanawha County emergency management teams.

Personnel have been stationed at the county’s command center as officials work to contain the situation and assess ongoing risks.

"Our top priority is the safety and well-being of our citizens," Morrisey said. "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."

Officials continue to urge residents to follow all safety instructions issued by Kanawha County as hospitals treat those affected and investigators work to determine exactly what went wrong inside the refinery.