A tragic incident unfolded at Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co in Longview, Washington, as a massive chemical tank collapsed, resulting in the death of one worker and leaving nine others missing. The tank, holding close to a million gallons of a highly corrosive liquid known as “white liquor,” imploded without any hope of rescue for those unaccounted for, according to authorities.
Cowlitz Fire and Rescue Chief Scott Goldstein stated during a news conference that the focus was on recovery efforts rather than rescue operations, as there were no ongoing rescues at that time. The plan for the following day included stabilizing the collapsed tank, which still contained approximately 90,000 gallons of the chemical mixture, before searching for the missing individuals.
Multiple injuries, ranging from minor to critical, were reported among those at the scene, including burns and inhalation injuries. The severity of the situation led officials to limit their operations to daylight hours due to the risk of further leaks or potential collapses from the damaged tank.
Community members gathered for a vigil to offer support and prayers for those affected by the tragedy. Concerns were raised by families who had not yet heard from their loved ones who worked at the plant. The facility, a prominent pulp and paper mill established in the 1950s, plays a significant role in Longview’s industrial landscape and employs around 1,000 individuals.
The incident involved the spillage of the chemical mixture into a drainage ditch following the tank’s rupture, prompting an evaluation by the state Ecology Department. Safety complaints lodged against Nippon Dynawave in the past were noted, although they were unrelated to the recent events. The company, a subsidiary of Nippon Paper Group, had been cited for safety violations earlier in the year.
Efforts to assess the situation and provide answers to the community were emphasized by officials, as investigations into the incident and safety practices continued. The impact of the incident on the local community and the workers involved was highlighted, underlining the need for support networks and thorough safety protocols moving forward.
