Fatality and Missing Workers Following Chemical Tank Incident at Washington Mill
One person has died and nine workers are missing after a chemical tank imploded at a paper mill in Longview, Washington, leading to multiple injuries among employees and responders.
Local authorities report that at least one person has died and nine workers are unaccounted for following the implosion of a chemical tank at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co. facility in Longview, Washington, on Tuesday. Eight workers and one firefighter sustained injuries from the incident, with some suffering burns or inhalation injuries, varying in severity from minor to critical. The Longview Fire Department indicated that the tank ruptured while containing approximately 900,000 gallons of white liquor, a chemical used in paper processing.
Families of the nine missing employees have been notified while authorities work on stabilization and recovery efforts. The situation remains perilous, with roughly 90,000 gallons of the chemical still in the damaged tank. The Fire Department has stated that the current unstable state of the tank poses significant hazards for emergency personnel.
Cowlitz Fire and Rescue Chief Scott Goldstein mentioned that the tank was about 60% full at the time of the incident. Investigations into the cause of the implosion are ongoing. Governor Bob Ferguson expressed solidarity with those affected, stating the state's commitment to assist during this challenging time. The Nippon Dynawave facility, which produces materials for various products including tissues and cartons, employs around 1,000 people. About 40 firefighters and paramedics responded to the scene, along with a regional hazmat team, shortly after reports of the incident came in at 7:19 a.m. local time.
