KANAWHA COUNTY, W.Va. (WCHS/WVAH) — UPDATED, 4:25 p.m. 12/09/20

A church in Putnam County reacted with sorrow about the tragic death of a man who died after an explosion Tuesday in Belle, saying he was a man of faith.

“It is with great sadness that we share the tragic loss of our friend and brother John Gillenwater,” River Ridge Church Teays Valley said in a Facebook post. “John was beloved by many in this community. Tina and the kids are surrounded by family and friends in this great time of need. The family covets your prayers.”

The church said anyone who knew Gillenwater knows “he was dedicated in his walk with Jesus. He was a leader, a friend to many, and passionate about sharing Jesus with others.”

A statement was sent out on behalf of Gillenswater’s family members earlier Wednesday, saying they were devastated about the loss.Gillenwater died in the explosion that occurred Tuesday at Optima, which is located within a section of the Chemours plant in Belle

The church said a beneficiary 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 account for The Family of John Gillenwater,” the church said.

The church said the family is dealing with the shock of this tragedy and asked that everyone respect their privacy.

UPDATED, 3:17 p.m. 12/09/20

A statement sent on behalf of the family members of the man who died after an explosion at the Belle plant said they are devastated about the loss.

John Gillenwater died in the explosion that occurred Tuesday at Optima, which is located within a section of the Chemours plant in Belle, according to the statement.

Three others were injured.

“The family is devastated over the loss of their husband, father and friend John Gillenwater,” the statement said. “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.”

Gillenwater was the “sole bread winner” for his family. Family members are asking for everyone to remember them in their prayers, saying that Gillenwater “was a true man of faith and the family believes in the power of prayer.”

A benefit account for the family has been established with City National Bank for those who would like to show their support. The statement said those who would like to donate may contact any local branch and make reference to 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,” the statement said.

UPDATED, 2:14 p.m. 12/09/20

An independent federal agency charged with investigating industrial chemical accidents will send representatives to Kanawha County to probe a chemical explosion at the Belle plant.

“The CSB will be sending a team to WV,” Hillary Cohen with the U.S. Chemical Safety Board said in an email Wednesday.

County officials said one person has died and three others were injured after the explosion Tuesday night at The Optima Chemical operations area of the Chemours plant in Belle.

Stewart Fletcher, a spokesperson for Optima Chemical Group, said the company will be releasing a news release later Wednesday about the incident.

Chemours released a statement that said all of its employees were safe, but some Optima employees sustained injuries in the explosion.

The U.S. Chemical Safety board is headquartered in Washington, D.C.

UPDATED, 12:02 p.m., 12/9/20

Kanawha County Commission President Kent Carper has confirmed at least one person has died after an explosion Tuesday night at a plant in Belle.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.

UPDATED, 10:36 a.m., 12/9/20

Chemours has released a statement regarding an explosion that happened Tuesday night in Belle.

The explosion was reported around 10:30 p.m. Four people were injured at the Chemours plant in the Optima Chemical operations area of the plant.

"Site emergency response personnel were immediately dispatched to contain a fire. Site and local emergency responders were able to bring the fire under control by approximately midnight. All Chemours employees were safe and accounted for last night," the statement said.

Some Optima employees sustained injuries in the explosion.

"The safety of site employees, emergency responders and the community has been our first priority throughout the incident, so we waited until daylight to begin a thorough site damage assessment," the statement said.

Results of the assessment have not been released.

The cause of the explosion is under investigation.

UPDATED, 10:01 a.m., 12/9/20

West Virginia American Water said the water service of its customers will not be affected by an explosion that occurred Tuesday evening at a chemical plant in Belle.

The water company said in a news release Wednesday that its Kanawha Valley treatment plant is located along the Elk River, a separate source water supply from the chemical plant’s location along the Kanawha River.

Four people were injured in the explosion at the Chemours plant in the Optima Chemical operations area of the plant.

“No changes have occurred in the finished water quality leaving the company’s water treatment plants, and no drinking water advisories have been issued as a result of this incident,” the water company said in a statement.

UPDATED: 7:43 a.m., 12/9/20

The Kanawha County Commission says a shelter in place has been lifted for a two-mile radius around the Chemours Plant in Belle after an explosion Tuesday night.

The Commission says emergency responders evaluated the scene and have determined an all clear can be issued.

UPDATED: 2 a.m., 12/9/20

Kanawha County Commission President Kent Carper has confirmed that two additional workers were transported from the scene of the explosion around 1:30 a.m. Four people total were injured in the incident, as of 2:00 a.m.

UPDATED: 1 a.m., 12/9/20

Officials believe a chlorinated dry bleach and methanol were the chemicals involved in the explosion late Tuesday night, according to Kanawha County Commission President Kent Carper.

UPDATED: 12:30 a.m., 12/9/20

A second person was injured in an explosion at the Chemours plant in Belle, according to Kanawha County Commission President Kent Carper.

One person was taken to the hospital by ambulance. A second person was hit by debris and drove themselves to the hospital. Details of their injuries were not provided.

He said county officials are now working with leaders at the plant to make sure a second incident doesn’t occur and ensure that they can safely lift the shelter in place.

Officials said the explosion happened in the Optima Chemical operations area of the plant.

Carper said it does not appear there was any impact on the river from the explosion.

UPDATED: 11:45 p.m., 12/8/20

Kanawha County Office of Emergency Management Director C.W. Sigman said the situation at the Chemours plant has stabilized.

Officials are currently checking for residuals or chemicals left over.

Kanawha County Commission President Kent Carper said one person was taken to the hospital.

ORIGINAL STORY

Residents near the Chemours plant in Belle are asked to shelter in place after an explosion was reported in the area Tuesday night.

Those who live within a two mile radius are asked to stay indoors. The explosion was reported just after 10 p.m., according to Metro 911.

“We’ve had at least one very serious explosion and a working fire at the plant,” Kanawha County Commission President Kent Carper said.

Investigators are unsure if the explosion involved any chemicals.

Carper said the county is utilizing all of its emergency personnel in the area.

The Kanawha County Emergency Operations Center has been activated. The number to the Emergency Operations Center is 304-746-8828. For non-emergency calls related to the incident, you may call the Emergency Operations Center.

This story will be updated with more information as it becomes available.