A West Virginia area Shelter-in-place lifted: Chemical Plant Explosion

KANAWHA COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) — A shelter-in-place order has been lifted, nearly four and a half hours after an explosion at the Chemours plant along W. Dupont Ave. in Belle.

The shelter in place was lifted about 2:30 Wednesday morning.

Rt. 60 has reopened between Campbells Creek and the Chelyan Bridge.

Kanawha County Commission President Kent Carper said three people were transported to the hospital, while a fourth person took himself to seek treatment. Two of the people transported were from inside the plant. The extent of their injuries is unknown at this time. — WSAZ

Seems this neck of the woods is plagued with tragedy. Here’s another incident:

(2014) WV Gov. Declares State Of Emergency For Nine Counties After Chemical Leak

According to a news release, the leak happened at Freedom Industries in Charleston. The leaked product is 4-Methylcyclohexane Methanol, which is used in the froth flotation process of coal washing and preparation.

The chemical is believed to have leaked into the Elk River.

West Virginia American Water believes the material is hazardous, but is not lethal in it’s current form.

FEMA has been contacted to bring clean water into the area.

Officials describe the smell as something similar to liquorice.

There is no estimated time when this will be repaired, according to Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin. The State of Emergency will be in place until Department of Health and Human Reasources, Department of Environmental Protection and West Virginia American Water determine the water is safe. — WOUB

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Elk_River_chemical_spill

Hope you’re safe, West Virginians!