A deadly industrial disaster unfolded Tuesday morning in Longview, Washington, after a massive chemical tank imploded at the Nippon Dynawave paper mill, leaving multiple workers dead, others critically injured, and several employees still missing.
Emergency crews responded around 7:18 a.m. local time after a tank containing “white liquor” — a highly caustic chemical solution used in the paper-making process — ruptured inside the sprawling industrial facility. Officials described the incident as a “mass casualty” event.
Authorities later confirmed one death, though officials warned the toll is expected to rise significantly as recovery operations continue. Nine employees remained unaccounted for Wednesday morning.
Officials also said the ruptured structure remains unstable, complicating rescue and recovery efforts. Operations are expected to resume once the damaged tank is stabilized.
At least 10 people were transported to area hospitals, including multiple workers suffering chemical burns and traumatic injuries. One firefighter was also injured during the emergency response.
Initial reports suggested the damaged tank held roughly 80,000 gallons of chemicals. Authorities later clarified the structure may have contained closer to 900,000 gallons of white liquor, with tens of thousands of gallons still remaining inside the compromised tank.
White liquor is an extremely corrosive alkaline mixture commonly used in the kraft paper production process. The substance typically contains sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide and can cause severe chemical burns and respiratory injuries.
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Emergency crews from multiple local and state agencies descended on the facility while hazardous materials teams worked to stabilize the area and prevent additional structural failures.
Officials emphasized there is currently no immediate danger to the surrounding community and no evacuation orders have been issued. Residents were still urged to avoid the industrial area while crews continue operations.
Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson said state emergency management teams, environmental officials, and labor investigators had been activated in response to the disaster.
The Nippon Dynawave facility, owned by Japan-based Nippon Paper Group, employs roughly 1,000 workers and serves as a major economic anchor for the Longview region.
Investigators have not yet determined what caused the implosion.
Officials warned recovery efforts may continue for days as crews navigate dangerous and unstable conditions inside the facility.
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