Chemical leak at West Virginia plant kills 2, injures several

Aerial footage from a deadly chemical leak at a plant in West Virginia that killed two and injured several otheres. (WVAH / WCHS)

A chemical leak at a West Virginia plant killed two people and injured 19 others on Wednesday. 

What we know:

The incident occurred at the Catalyst Refiners plant, a silver recovery business in Institute, West Virginia. 

The leak occurred as the facility was closing for the day and cleanup operations were underway. Officials believed a chemical reaction occurred during this time, creating hydrogen sulfide, according to a Kanawha County Commission news release. 

FILE - Officials from Kanawha County give an update on a deadly chemical leak in West Virginia. (Kanawha County Facebook)

A "shelter-in-place" alert that was issued earlier has been lifted. 

What we don't know:

The severity of injuries of those who were transported to the hospital were also not immediately disclosed as of this report. 

What they're saying:

"This is an unfathomably difficult time," said the company statement released at a news briefing. "Our thoughts and prayers are with our colleagues and their families."

Local perspective:

The plant is located near Institute, a community about 10 miles (16 kilometers) west of Charleston, the state capital.

The Source: Information for this article was taken from The Associated Press and FOX News. This story was reported from San Jose. 

West Virginia