USA – Fatal Gas Release at Maine Paper Mill Prompts Federal Safety Investigation

February 18, 2026

A federal investigation has been launched following a fatal gas release at a pulp and paper mill in Baileyville, Maine that killed a student intern and injured nine other workers.

The incident occurred on 27 January 2026 at a facility operated by Woodland Pulp in the United States. Emergency services responded after reports that two workers had lost consciousness inside the plant.

The Baileyville Fire Department said crews were dispatched at approximately 18:20 local time. Upon arrival, responders were informed that workers had been overcome by an unidentified gas. Firefighters worked alongside mill staff to evacuate affected individuals and transfer them to waiting medical teams. Two people were transported to Calais Hospital with serious injuries.

Authorities later confirmed that Kasie Malcolm, a 20-year-old chemical engineering student at the University of Maine who was completing an internship at the site, died in hospital from injuries sustained in the event. Another hospitalised worker remained in serious condition two weeks after the accident.

The US Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) has opened an investigation into the cause of the release. According to preliminary information submitted to the agency, the incident may have involved concentrated sulphuric acid mixing with sulphurous compounds in an enclosed process sewer. This reaction is believed to have generated hydrogen sulphide gas, which was then released into the facility’s bleach plant area.

CSB chairperson Steve Owens said the incident represents a serious safety concern and confirmed that investigators will work to identify the root cause and recommend measures to prevent similar events in the future.

The investigation will focus on chemical handling procedures, process safety systems, and the effectiveness of the emergency response. A CSB investigation team has been deployed to examine conditions at the site.

USA