W.Va. DuPont worker dies after exposure to chemical phosgene; Belle plant shut temporarily

W.Va. DuPont worker dies after toxic gas exposure

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Federal officials are investigating a series of leaks that shut down a DuPont chemical plant in West Virginia and resulted in the death of one worker.

DuPont officials temporarily stopped production at the sprawling Belle plant over the weekend after three leaks were reported. One leak went unnoticed for a week.

On Saturday, a worker was exposed to the poisonous gas phosgene. Company officials confirmed Monday that Carl Fish died on Sunday.

Plant spokesman Roger Hess says DuPont is reviewing operating procedures. There are no immediate plans to resume production.

A spokeswoman with the federal Occupation Health and Safety Administration says inspectors are at the eastern Kanawha County plant.