A routine morning at a Washington state paper mill turned deadly Tuesday when a chemical tank suddenly imploded, unleashing a terrifying hazardous materials emergency that left multiple people dead, several injured and others still unaccounted for.
The disaster unfolded around 7:18 a.m. on May 26 at Nippon Dynawave Packaging Company in Longview, Washington, after authorities were called to what officials described as a hazardous materials incident involving a vat of chemical treatment product.
By the time emergency crews arrived, the scene had turned grim.
“We have confirmed that there are fatalities,” Cowlitz Fire and Rescue Chief Scott Goldstein said during a news conference. “But the exact number is undetermined.”
Officials said the ruptured tank contained a white liquid chemical used in the paper-making process. The implosion critically injured multiple people and triggered a large-scale emergency response at the mill.
Authorities confirmed that 10 people were injured, including one firefighter. Even more troubling, officials said some people remained unaccounted for as crews continued recovery and accountability operations inside the facility.
Victims’ names have not yet been released. Longview Fire Department Battalion Chief Mike Gorsuch said identities will be shared only after families have been notified.
In a joint statement, the company and city officials said patients were taken to hospitals in Longview and Vancouver. PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center later confirmed to CNN that nine patients were brought to the hospital, including one person who died. Two others were transferred to other facilities, while six remained in fair condition.
Despite the frightening nature of the blast, officials said there was no immediate danger to the surrounding community. Still, residents were urged to stay away from the area while emergency crews continued working the scene.
Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson said he was monitoring the tragedy closely and confirmed that responders from the state Department of Ecology had been sent to the site.
“I’m deeply saddened to hear that there have been fatalities,” Ferguson said. “My thoughts are with the workers and their families, and with the first responders.”
The recovery operation remains ongoing as investigators work to determine exactly what caused the chemical tank to implode and how many lives were lost in the horrifying mill disaster.
