Tragedy Strikes Longview Paper Mill After Chemical Tank Rupture
The death toll from a chemical tank rupture at Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co. in Longview has reached two, with nine others presumed dead as investigations begin into the incident.
A chemical tank rupture at Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co. in Longview has resulted in two confirmed fatalities, with an additional nine people presumed dead. Washington Governor Bob Ferguson characterized the incident as potentially the deadliest industrial tragedy in recent state history.
Authorities have reported that the chemical release reached the nearby Columbia River, but air quality and drinking water in the area have not been impacted. The Longview Fire Department stated that rescue efforts are ongoing to stabilize the site after tens of thousands of gallons of a caustic chemical were released. One employee died shortly after evacuation, with a second confirmed deceased the following day.
Brian Wood, the director of support services for Nippon Dynawave, expressed gratitude to first responders and emphasized the company’s commitment to its workforce amidst the unfolding crisis. He stated, "We are focused on our people. We are focused on helping our responders find and recover those people. That is our focus today."
As rescue teams work through the recovery process, local officials have indicated that the nine missing individuals are likely deceased. Washington state Senator Jeff Wilson described the situation as a significant tragedy worthy of thorough investigation, noting that the incident raises numerous questions that must be addressed.
Federal and state investigations into the cause of the failure of the 900,000-gallon chemical tank are underway, with the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board sending a team to determine how the event occurred and prevent future incidents. Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez emphasized the necessity of thorough investigations while advocating for the mill's viability, highlighting the community's concerns over job security in the region.
Current estimates suggest that the structurally compromised tank still contains approximately 25,000 gallons of the corrosive compound known as white liquor, which is used in the pulping process. Recovery efforts are complicated by the intricate layout of the industrial site.
In addition to the fatalities, seven individuals were hospitalized due to the chemical exposure, including a firefighter. Local leaders are reassuring the Cowlitz County community of safety, advising them to avoid nearby dikes and ditches due to potential contamination risks. The state Department of Ecology is investigating the environmental impacts stemming from the incident, which has caused significant concern in the Longview-Kelso area, home to about 115,000 residents.
