NewsNation

1 killed, 3 injured after explosion at West Virginia chemical plant

Michael Geheren, Alexa Mencia, and Char'Nese Turner

BELLE, W.Va. (NewsNation Now) — One person was killed and three others are injured after an explosion at the Optima plant Tuesday in Belle, West Virginia.

The conditions of the three people injured are unknown at this time. The man who died was identified by his family Wednesday.


The family of John Gillenwater issued the following statement:

John was beloved by many in his community and his church.  Tina and her children are surrounded by family and friends in this great time of need.  What happened was a tragedy.  

John was the sole breadwinner for his family, and many are asking how they can help.  First, the family covets your prayers.  John Gillenwater was a true man of faith and the family believes in the power of prayer. 

Second, a benefit account for the family has been established with City National Bank. We encourage those who would like to show support for Tina and the family during this time to donate by contacting any local branch referencing the benefit account for John Gillenwater.

At this time, the family is dealing with the shock of this tragedy and we ask that you respect their privacy. We will notify the media of any further comments that may come in the future. 

Family of John Gillenwater

The explosion happended Tuesday around 10 p.m. EST at the Chemours plant in the Kanawha County community of Belle, the county commission said in a statement. Details about the incident, including whether chemicals were involved, and whether anyone was injured weren’t immediately released.

A shelter-in-place order was issued for a two-mile radius around the plant, NewsNation affiliate WOWK reported.

A photo shared with NewsNation showed visible large flames. People who lived in the area reported their houses shook. 

By Wednesday morning, the order was lifted.

“Emergency responders have evaluated the scene and have determined that an all clear can be issued for the incident,” the county commission said.

Chemours formed as a spinoff from DuPont in 2015. The 723-acre site is located along the Kanawha River about 10 miles southeast of Charleston. The town of Belle has about 1,100 residents.

Correction: The article has been updated to reflect this explosion happened in West Virginia.

NewsNation affiliate WOWK and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

England’s Luke Shaw takes a shot during the Euro 2020 soccer championship final match between England and Italy at Wembley Stadium in London, Sunday, July 11, 2021. (Paul Ellis/Pool via AP)
England’s Luke Shaw, left, celebrates after scoring his side’s opening goal during the Euro 2020 final soccer match between Italy and England at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, July 11, 2021. (Facundo Arrizabalaga/Pool via AP)
An England supporter waves a flag near Trafalgar Square in London, Sunday, July 11, 2021, during the Euro 2020 soccer championship final match between England and Italy which is being played at Wembley Stadium. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison)
Fans watch on a giant screen in Rome, Sunday, July 11, 2021, the Euro 2020 soccer championships’ final match between Italy and England played at Wembley stadium in London. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
Italy’s Leonardo Bonucci, right, scores his side’s opening goal during the Euro 2020 final soccer match between Italy and England at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, July 11, 2021. (Facundo Arrizabalaga/Pool via AP)
Italy’s Leonardo Bonucci celebrates after he scored his side’s first goal during the Euro 2020 soccer championship final between England and Italy at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, July 11, 2021. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein, Pool)
England’s Marcus Rashford reacts after missed a penalty shot during the penalty shootout during the Euro 2020 soccer final match between England and Italy at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, July 11, 2021. (Andy Rain/Pool Photo via AP)
Italy’s goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma makes a save against England’s Jadon Sancho during penalty shootout of the Euro 2020 soccer championship final match between England and Italy at Wembley Stadium in London, Sunday, July 11, 2021. (Paul Ellis/Pool via AP)
1 / 8