At least 1 dead, 9 others missing in chemical tank implosion at Washington state pulp and paper mill
ABC7 Chicago • • general
Key Points:
- A chemical tank implosion at Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co. in Longview, Washington, resulted in one confirmed death and nine individuals unaccounted for, with emergency responders continuing recovery efforts.
- The 80,000-gallon tank contained "white liquor," a corrosive chemical used in kraft paper production, and the cause of the implosion remains under investigation.
- Among the injured was a responding firefighter, with victims suffering burns and inhalation injuries ranging from minor to critical; no immediate public threat was reported.
- Approximately 40 firefighters, paramedics, and a hazmat team responded to the incident, which caused white liquor to spill into a drainage ditch, prompting environmental impact evaluation.
- The facility employs about 1,000 people and is central to the Longview community, with officials emphasizing the emotional impact on workers and responders; U.S. Senator Patty Murray called the event an "absolute tragedy."