Solenis Plant Evacuated After Chlorine Powder Incident

Emergency officials lifted the shelter-in-place order for South Charleston residents and businesses near the Solenis Tableting Plant on Wednesday afternoon. The evacuation and protective measures were put in place after a drum of chlorine powder began to decompose inside the facility.

The Kanawha County Commission issued a press release confirming that all employees were accounted for and that no injuries had been reported as of the announcement. The commission noted that the incident was still under investigation, but emergency crews stated that the chemical had been contained.

According to responders, moisture reacted with the decomposing powder, potentially creating chlorine gas. This reaction triggered alarms at the plant. Chlorine gas is a hazardous substance that can be fatal if inhaled, prompting the immediate response from multiple emergency crews.

The South Charleston Fire Department was among the groups that responded to the scene. By late Wednesday afternoon, crews remained at the site to ventilate the building. The Solenis plant employs up to 200 people and produces dry bleach compounds for swimming pools and spas.

Randy Yohe of West Virginia Public Broadcasting was inducted into the Museum of Radio and Technology's West Virginia Broadcasting Hall of Fame on Tuesday, the day before the chemical incident occurred.