Timisha Leah Shears via REUTERS
- A chemical incident and explosion at a plant in Belle, West Virginia, resulted in a shelter-in-place order for residents within a two-mile radius on Tuesday.
- The explosion involved chlorinated dry bleach and methanol, Kanawha County Commissioner Kent Carper told the local WCHS reporter Whitney Wetzel.
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Residents who lived within a two-mile radius of the Chemours plant in Belle, West Virginia, were ordered to shelter in place following a “chemical incident and explosion,” Kanawha County officials said.
The explosion took place around 10:00 p.m. local time on Tuesday, county officials said.
Kanawha County Commissioner Kent Carper said two people were injured. Carper told WCHS that one individual was taken to CAMC General Hospital by ambulance and another individual drove themselves to Montgomery General Hospital.
No additional information on their injuries was released.
Carper also told local WCHS reporter Whitney Wetzel that the incident involved chlorinated dry bleach and methanol.
"The fire was significant," Carper told local outlet MetroNews. "The explosion was massive. It shook people's houses on both sides of the river."
—Shane B. Murphy (@shanermurph) December 9, 2020
The area is the location of the former DuPont chemical plant.
Local outlet WOWK reported that several schools in the area also announced closures for Wednesday, following the explosion.
Gov. Jim Justice said in a tweet that he was aware of the situation.
"I urge everyone in the area to follow the Shelter-In-Place Order currently in effect. Cathy and I are praying for the safety of all involved," Justice said.
This is a developing story.