A chemical tank at a Washington paper mill imploded Tuesday, leaving one dead and nine missing, according to authorities.
Around 7:15 a.m. Tuesday, a chemical tank imploded at Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co.’s facility, which is a pulp and paper mill and liquid packaging plant along the Columbia River in Longview, Washington.
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Authorities said recovery operations are still ongoing as they wait before releasing more information on the victims. According to authorities, the responding firefighter was among those injured. Some victims also suffered burns or inhalation injuries, ranging from critical to minor.
“The people who are responders here have friends and relatives that work on-site,” Cowlitz Fire and Rescue Chief Scott Goldstein said in a news conference. “It is something that is impactful, and we have support networks to support the workers as well as the emergency responders.”
Goldstein noted that the 80,000-gallon tank that imploded was about 60% full with a chemical known as “white liquor,” a corrosive substance consisting mainly of sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide. The plant employs roughly 1,000 people and makes material for tissues, printing paper, cups, plates, cartons, and other goods.
Battalion chief with the fire department in Longview, Mike Gorsuch, described the implosion as a “mass casualty scene” with roughly 40 first responders and a regional hazmat team responding to the scene.
Washington lawmakers expressed their deep sympathy for the Longview community.
“I am devastated by reports of fatalities following today’s chemical explosion at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co. facility in Longview,” Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA) said in a statement. “My heart is with the workers, families, and entire Longview community as they wait for updates about their loved ones. I’m grateful to the first responders who are on the scene working to keep people safe.”
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Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) said the implosion was an “absolute tragedy.”
“My heart is with everyone who lost a loved one today — as well as the injured workers,” she said.
