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Nitro, West Virginia, is the scene of a major industrial chemical incident at the Catalyst Refiners facility, where emergency services and hazmat teams are responding to a hazardous materials release that occurred earlier this evening. Authorities report that a chemical reaction between nitric acid and a cleaning product produced a dangerous cloud over the plant, prompting the rapid deployment of local and regional emergency response assets. Two people have been confirmed dead at the scene, 12 others have been transported to local hospitals with injuries or suspected chemical exposure, and an additional 18 individuals are being evaluated for potential exposure, bringing the total number of affected people to 32. Local law enforcement and hazardous materials specialists have cordoned off the immediate area and are working to contain the release and track the dispersion of the chemical plume. Officials say the scale of the release required swift containment protocols, and they are focused on stabilizing the site and preventing further spread of the hazardous substances into the surrounding atmosphere and environment. Medical facilities in Nitro and across Kanawha County have activated surge procedures to handle the influx of patients who may be suffering from inhalation of nitric acid vapors, which can cause severe respiratory distress and damage to mucosal membranes. The incident remains an active emergency scene, and investigators are examining how the cleaning product came into contact with the nitric acid. OSHA and local environmental agencies have been notified and are expected to participate in the investigation, while nearby residents have been urged to limit outdoor activity and monitor official channels for safety guidance and any potential evacuation instructions.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.