Two people died and 19 were transferred to hospital due to a chemical leak in the US state of Virginia

US authorities reported the death of two people, and 19 others were taken to hospital following a chemical leak at a factory in West Virginia.

The spill occurred at the Catalyst Refiners plant in the Institute area as workers prepared to shut down at least part of the facility, said C.W. Sigman, director of emergency management for the Kanawha County Commission.

Sigman said in a press conference that a chemical gas reaction occurred in the factory that included nitric acid and another substance. He added that there was a “violent reaction to the chemicals and an over-reaction occurred immediately.”

Officials said that among the injured were seven ambulance personnel who responded to the leak.

Sigman said other people were taken to hospitals in private cars or even in a garbage truck.