Plant operations return to normal, internal investigation underway at WeylChem

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - A plant is up and running after a chemical leak in Kershaw County.

The plant, WeylChem, experienced an incident in Elgin Wednesday night.

Officials announced Thursday morning that parts of the plant are running along with the office. On Friday, they announced that the plan was operating normally.

The vessel involved in the incident was taken out of service until an internal investigation is complete.

Officials said in a statement:

We are working to bring up additional processes as we clear the area of impact. There have been no reports of impact in the community.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol said the highway was clear to travel in both directions at around 10:10 p.m. Authorities said the chemical leak is contained and evacuations have been lifted.

WeylChem issued a statement Wednesday night about the incident,

On 07/27/2022 at approximately 5:45 pm, we had an incident at the WeylChem US Inc. facility in Elgin, SC. First and foremost, we have the highest regard for the safety of our employees, our environment, and our neighbors.

All employees were evacuated immediately, and there was full notification to the authorities. There were no injuries. The authorities are on site assisting in response and have set up a secure perimeter.

They are assessing the situation to determine when that perimeter can be reduced. We are following their lead, and providing full technical support throughout this incident to ensure the safety of the people around us is maintained until the event is complete. We will not bring the unit back online until we can complete a full investigation and understand the source of the issue.

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I-20 westbound was closed down after a confirmed report of a chemical leak.

SCDOT said the incident happened at 6:27 p.m. between Exit 92 and Exit 82. All lanes were blocked.

According to officials on the scene, smoke was cleared from the area and the incident is “under control.”

Mandatory evacuations took place, and a shelter opened at Lugoff-Elgin High School.

Traffic was unable to flow so officials asked everyone on Highway 12 to use Highway 1 instead.

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