At least nine workers remain missing and are now presumed dead after a massive chemical tank implosion at a paper mill in Longview, Washington, in what officials say could become one of the deadliest industrial disasters in modern Washington state history. (AP News)
The incident occurred Tuesday morning at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co. facility, located along the Columbia River in southwestern Washington. Authorities said a huge storage tank containing a corrosive chemical mixture known as “white liquor” ruptured during a shift change, triggering a catastrophic structural collapse and widespread chemical spill. (AP News)
Officials confirmed that at least two people have died from injuries linked to the explosion, while rescue teams continue difficult recovery operations under dangerous conditions. Eight other people, including a firefighter, were injured in the incident, with several suffering burns and inhalation injuries. (Los Angeles Times)
Tank Contained Hundreds of Thousands of Gallons of Hazardous Chemicals
Emergency officials said the damaged tank was holding more than 500,000 gallons of white liquor, a highly caustic chemical mixture used in paper manufacturing to break down wood pulp. Some reports estimated the tank’s total capacity at nearly 900,000 gallons. (AP News)
The rupture caused the massive circular tank to buckle and partially collapse, spilling hazardous liquid across the industrial site and into nearby drainage systems.
Authorities temporarily halted search efforts because of fears the damaged structure could collapse further and release additional chemicals. Recovery crews resumed limited operations Wednesday after engineers determined the tank was stable enough for controlled access. (Spectrum Local News)
Cowlitz County fire officials said recovery work is expected to proceed slowly due to ongoing structural and chemical hazards at the site.
Governor Warns Disaster Could Be Historic Tragedy
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson described the incident as potentially “the deadliest industrial tragedy in modern Washington state history,” while offering condolences to affected families and workers. (opb)
The Washington National Guard, hazardous materials teams, and federal environmental agencies have joined local responders in the emergency operation.
Officials from the US Environmental Protection Agency said some chemical contamination reached nearby waterways connected to the Columbia River, though no major effects on public drinking water or air quality have been detected so far. Residents were still advised to avoid nearby ditches and contaminated runoff areas. (AP News)
Community in Mourning
Longview, a city of about 40,000 residents with deep ties to the timber and paper industries, has been shaken by the tragedy.
Friends and relatives gathered for vigils Tuesday night as some victims began to be identified publicly. Local church members identified Gilbert Bernal, an electrician at the plant, as one of the confirmed victims. (AP News)
Residents described widespread panic and confusion following the implosion, with families spending hours trying to locate missing workers.
One resident told reporters the disaster had “torn families apart,” while others described the scale of the accident as unimaginable in a community where many families have ties to the paper industry. (Spectrum Local News)
Federal Investigation Underway
The cause of the tank rupture remains under investigation.
The US Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board, along with Washington state labor authorities, has launched a formal inquiry into the disaster and the plant’s industrial safety procedures. (AP News)
The Nippon Dynawave Packaging facility, which employs roughly 1,000 workers, manufactures packaging materials, paper products, cups, cartons, and industrial paper goods.
Company officials said they are cooperating fully with investigators and providing support to employees and affected families.
Sources
Associated Press, Reuters, Oregon Public Broadcasting, The Guardian, Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times
Editor: Sudhir Choudhary
Tags: Washington State, Paper Mill Explosion, Longview, Industrial Accident, Chemical Spill, Nippon Dynawave Packaging, US News, Workplace Safety
News by The Vagabond News.
