World News – US – Chemical plant explosion leaves four injured, officials say chlorinated bleach is involved

Four people were reportedly injured after an explosion at a chemical plant in West Virginia.

The explosion started a large fire at the Chemours facility on West Dupont Avenue in Belle, Kanawah County, around 10 p.m.. m.

Residents within a three-kilometer radius were placed under a « shelter-in-place » order that lasted about four and a half hours on Tuesday evening.

The president of the Kanawha County Commission, Kent, told reporters that officials believe a chlorinated dry bleach and methanol were the chemicals involved in the explosion late Tuesday night.

Drone footage captured the dramatic scene in which flames and smoke rise from the facility.

Carper told WSAZ that three people had been hospitalized, two of whom were in the factory at the time of the incident.

He said another person had self-treated and the extent of his injuries is currently unknown.

Carper earlier told the broadcaster that the explosion was « likely caused by a barge » in the Kanawha River, which is adjacent to the facility, but later said the facility itself was the source of the explosion.

The commission reported that shortly before 2 a.m. the fire was still burning. m. The company that owns the facility later said it was under control, according to NBC.

The commission also said that first responders must let the fire burn out before they can assess the scene.

Dispatchers said there was « some type of explosion » but the cause is currently unknown, according to the WSAZ.

James Mason, from Kanawha County Emergency Department, told the broadcaster that its mass causation teams and mass triage teams were on standby as a precaution.

The shelter-in-place order, which was lifted around 2am. 30a. m. , covered areas between Cheylan Bridge and Burning Springs, including Belle, Marmet, Chesapeake, and Chelyan.

Route 60 has been closed between Campbells Creek and Chelyan Bridge due to the emergency but has now been reopened, Metro 911 said.

In a statement from WSAZ, Chemours said: « An incident at one of the tenant companies at Chemours’ Belle, West Virginia site resulted in a fire. Rescue workers are working to contain the fire. We currently have no further details. « 

In an email to NBC, Chemours said, « There was a fire at one of the rental companies at our Belle, West Virginia location. The emergency services worked to contain the fires. « 

Sen. . Joe Manchin tweeted, « Gayle and I are praying for those at Chemours’ Belle & facility for our brave first responders running to the fire tonight.

« I urge everyone in and around Belle to stay tuned to the local media. & follows instructions from local officials. « 

Gayle and I pray for those at the Chemours Belle & facility for our brave first responders running to the fire tonight. I urge everyone in and near Belle to be aware of the local media, &, and to follow instructions from local officials. https: // t. co / KmjD6aSoJH

I was just informed by our @WVEMD. You are coordinating with @KCCDHSEM in response to the incident tonight at the Chemours Belle plant. I urge everyone in the region to follow the currently applicable Shelter-In-Place regulation. Cathy and I pray for the safety of everyone involved. https: // t. co / 7n9DgSYfRI

Gov. . Jim Justice tweeted that he had been briefed and that he and his wife were praying for the safety of everyone involved.

He wrote, « I was just informed by our @WVEMD. You are coordinating with @ KCCDHSEM in response to the incident tonight at the Chemours Belle facility.

« I urge everyone in the region to follow the current shelter-in-place regulations. Cathy and I pray for the safety of everyone involved. « 

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West Virginia, explosion, chemical plant, Chemours Belle Plant