Chemical leak at U.S. plant kills two, sends 19 more to hospital: Officials

A chemical leak at a West Virginia silver recovery business killed two people and sent 19 others to the hospital, including one in critical condition, authorities said on Wednesday (April 22, 2026).

The leak occurred at the Catalyst Refiners plant in Institute as workers were preparing to shut down at least part of the facility, Kanawha County Commission Emergency Management Director C.W. Sigman said.