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Workers killed and many treated after refinery chemical release as investigators probe cause
By Greg Wehner
Published April 22, 2026
A deadly chemical release tore through a West Virginia refinery Wednesday morning, killing two people and sending more than a dozen others scrambling for medical care as emergency crews rushed to contain the danger.
FOX Appalachia reported that Kanawha County officials said over a dozen people were treated or transported to hospitals following the incident at Catalyst Refiners in the Institute area.
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A chemical incident in Kanawha County, West Virginia killed two people and injured over a dozen others on Wednesday. (WCHS)
Among them, one person remains in critical condition. Kanawha County Commission President Ben Salango said seven of those treated were EMS workers.
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The incident, reported around 9:30 a.m., initially triggered a one-mile shelter-in-place order that has since been reduced to the immediate area surrounding the facility, which has since been lifted.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
https://www.foxnews.com/us/workers-killed-many-treated-after-refinery-chemical-release-investigators-probe-cause