Final Victim Identified in Washington Paper Mill Explosion

All missing victims from the explosion at a Longview paper mill have been accounted for, according to an announcement from local officials on Saturday. Longview Fire Chief Brad Hannig stated in a news conference, "Today, on day five of this incident, I can share that we have recovered the ninth and final missing employee of this incident."

This development follows the tragic incident on Tuesday, when a chemical tank at the Nippon Dynawave plant ruptured, killing a total of 11 people, including two who later succumbed to their injuries in the hospital. The deceased have been identified as individuals ranging in age from 26 to 58.

The tank, meant to contain 900,000 gallons of hazardous chemicals used in the paper-pulping process, caused significant recovery efforts that involved both drones and manual labor to ensure no victims were overlooked. Deputy Chief Kurt Stitch described the recovery operation as "methodical and incredibly difficult for everyone that’s been involved."

Contaminated water from the site has been monitored carefully, with improvements noted in pH levels. This area is critical, as it sits above an aquifer used for Longview's drinking water, though officials assured the public that the water remains safe. An investigation into the cause of the explosion is currently underway.