Fatalities Confirmed After Chemical Tank Ruptures at Washington Paper Mill
Multiple people have been killed and others injured following a substantial chemical explosion at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging facility in Longview, Washington. Authorities have confirmed fatalities, though the exact number remains undisclosed as recovery operations continue.
The incident took place at 07:15 PDT (15:15 GMT) when an 80,000-gallon tank, approximately 60% full of white liquor, ruptured. White liquor, a highly corrosive alkaline chemical containing sodium hydroxide and sodium sulphide, is integral to the paper-making process.
Cowlitz Fire and Rescue Chief Scott Goldstein reported that ten individuals, comprising nine factory employees and one firefighter, sustained injuries ranging from critical to minor, including burns and inhalation injuries. The company has also acknowledged multiple critical injuries.
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson expressed sorrow over the fatalities and confirmed that state ecology workers have been dispatched to assist local officials at the site. While the scene is now deemed stable, the Longview Fire Department has advised the public to avoid the area as emergency responders focus on recovery. No identifying information about those injured or deceased will be released pending family notifications.
This is not the first incident at the Longview plant; in July 2023, the facility experienced a protracted fire involving large piles of wood. The Nippon Dynawave Packaging plant manufactures a variety of paper products and employs approximately 1,000 people, according to the Washington State Department of Ecology.
