9 missing after Washington paper mill tank rupture and officials say there's no hope of survivors
Key Points:
- A chemical tank rupture at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co. paper mill in Longview, Washington, has resulted in 11 presumed deaths, including nine workers still missing, making it one of the deadliest U.S. workplace accidents in recent years.
- The tank spilled over 500,000 gallons of "white liquor," a hazardous chemical mixture used in paper manufacturing, causing injuries to eight people and prompting a delayed but ongoing search for missing workers.
- Authorities confirmed the ruptured tank is stable enough to resume daylight search efforts, and while the spill has not compromised local air or drinking water safety, some contamination reached the nearby Columbia River.
- The cause of the rupture remains unknown, and the mill, which has faced unrelated safety complaints and fines in recent years, is cooperating with investigations while offering condolences to affected families.
- The accident has deeply impacted the Longview community, with local residents and workers expressing grief and uncertainty as authorities continue to seek answers about the incident.