6 of 9 missing in Nippon mill blast in Longview recovered, bringing confirmed dead to 8

Key Points:

• Six of the nine missing workers from the Nippon paper mill blast in Longview have been recovered, bringing the confirmed death toll to eight, with the total possibly reaching 11, potentially making it Washington State's deadliest industrial disaster.
• The blast occurred Tuesday morning due to the implosion of a large chemical tank containing white liquor, a corrosive substance used in paper processing, causing severe injuries and extensive facility damage.
• Ten people were injured, including nine employees and one firefighter; two employees died at the hospital, while the firefighter was treated and released, with the condition of the remaining injured employees unknown.
• Contamination from the blast has affected the Columbia River, prompting dilution efforts and an investigation by the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board, while city officials confirmed the local drinking water remains safe.
• Recovery operations continue amid hazardous conditions, with officials prioritizing responder safety and respectful handling of victims, and the cause of the blast remains under investigation.