Three people were injured and one man is dead after an explosion at Optima Chemicals in Belle, WV on Tuesday, December 8. John Gillenwater, a beloved husband, father, and friend, was killed in the blast which occurred just after 10:30 p.m. when something went wrong during a chemical drying process. A benefit account for the Gillenwater family has been established with City National Bank.
Optima Chemicals is located on the Chemours property on W. Dupont Avenue in Belle. The Chemours plant was not involved in the explosion. Fire officials said initial findings show the problem may have occurred when a 1,200-gallon metal dryer became over-pressurized.
Kanawha County Emergency Management Director CW Sigman told WSAZ.com that chlorine and methanol were involved in the explosion. A shelter-in-place order was put in place for residents within a two-mile radius of the blast and classes at area schools were canceled Wednesday.
The explosion attorneys at Pritzker Hageman represent people all over the country who have been injured in explosions and families who have suffered the wrongful death of a loved one. They have secured multiple settlements of more than $20 million for their clients. For a free consultation with our experienced Explosion Team, please call 1-888-377-8900, text 612-261-0856, or complete the form below.
