Chemical Leak In WV Kills 2, Sends 19 To Hospital

Authorities say a chemical leak at a West Virginia plant has killed two people and sent 19 others to the hospital. A Kanawha County emergency management official says the leak occurred Wednesday at the Catalyst Refiners plant in Institute, a silver recovery business. The official, C.W. SIgman, said it happened as workers were preparing to shut down at least part of the facility. Sigman said a chemical gas reaction occurred involving nitric acid and another substance. He spoke at a press briefing, adding the chemical reaction was violent and instantaneous. Officials say seven ambulance workers who responded to the leak were among the injured. The plant is located about 10 miles west of Charleston, the state capital.