AI Generated Image
Nippon tank was unfit for service 10 months before implosion, federal report says
KATU • • nation
Key Points:
- Federal investigators found that Nippon Dynawave Packaging continued to operate a Longview storage tank for months after inspections revealed it was too thin in places and posed a high risk of failure.
- The 1.2 million-gallon G Tank was inspected in July 2025 and subsequent inspections confirmed significant thinning below safe levels, but the company failed to repair or take the tank out of service.
- On May 26, the tank catastrophically failed at 7:09 a.m., releasing approximately 900,000 gallons of white liquor, killing 11 workers and causing extensive damage.
- Emergency responders were not informed about the chemical release, resulting in at least one responder suffering serious chemical burns after attempting a rescue.
- Family representatives, labor groups, and U.S. Sen. Patty Murray emphasized the need for accountability, ongoing investigation, and ensuring such a tragedy never recurs.
