Fatal explosion at Longview paper mill results in multiple injuries

A major chemical explosion at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging facility in Longview has resulted in multiple fatalities and several injuries, including chemical burns. The incident, which took place at approximately 7:20 a.m., involved the rupture of a tank containing white liquor, a chemical used in the papermaking process. Ten individuals have been reported injured, including nine employees of the mill and one firefighter, who has since been discharged from the hospital.

Emergency responders are currently on the scene, and residents are advised to steer clear of Industrial Way and surrounding areas while operations continue. Cowlitz 2 Fire and Rescue Chief Scott Goldstein confirmed that the number of fatalities has not yet been disclosed and that the situation remains ongoing. He noted the incident is particularly impactful for the local community, given that many first responders have personal connections to employees at the facility.

While no immediate health concerns have been identified, according to Washington State Department of Ecology spokesperson Anna Izenman, spill responders are monitoring for potential impacts on local wildlife. The tank that ruptured contained approximately 80,000 gallons of white liquor, which is not easily contained and instead tends to self-neutralize over time when mixed with water. Officials have temporarily shut off discharge pumps that would release materials into the Columbia River as they assess the situation further.