UPDATED 20.12.20, 15:00
KANAWHA COUNTY, WAV (WSAZ) – The name of the person who died in an explosion at the Optima Chemicals Company in Belle, West Virginia, on Tuesday night has been released.
A family spokesman said John Gillenwater was killed.
His family issued a notice:
“The family was destroyed by the loss of her husband, father, and friend, John Gillenwater.” John was loved by many in his community and church. Tina and her children are surrounded by family and friends at this time of great need. What happened was a tragedy. John was the only bread winner for his family and many ask how they could help. First, the family covets their prayers. John Gillenwater was a true believer and the family believes in the power of prayer. Second, the family’s care account was set up at City National Bank. We encourage those who would like to show support to Tina and her family during this time to donate to contact the local branch office, referring to John Gillenwater’s benefit account. “
A Chemours representative said the incident did not occur at the on-site Chemours plant and that all Chemours employees were safe and accountable for Tuesday night.
Kanawha County Emergency Affairs Director CW Sigman says WSAZ.com chlorine and methanol were involved in the explosion.
After the blast, three people were taken to hospital and a fourth took himself for treatment.
Click here for our previous coverage.
ORIGINAL HISTORY 12/12/2020, 12:22
KANAWHA COUNTY, WAV (WSAZ) – At least one person died after an explosion at the Optima Chemicals Company in Belle, West Virginia on Tuesday night, confirms Kent Carper, chairman of the Kanawha County Committee.
According to a Chemours representative, Optima Chemicals Company is a tenant at the Chemours site in Belle.
The blast was reported at a plant along W. Dupont Avenue on Tuesday at 10:30 p.m.
A Chemours representative said the incident did not arise at the on-site Chemours plant and that all Chemours employees were safe and accounted for Tuesday night.
Kanawha County Emergency Affairs Director CW Sigman says WSAZ.com chlorine and methanol were involved in the explosion.
After the blast, three people were taken to hospital and a fourth took himself for treatment.
Click here for our previous coverage.
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