USA – Washington Paper Mill Explosion Leaves One Dead, Nine Missing
At least one person has died and nine others remain missing following a major chemical explosion at a paper mill in Longview, Washington, authorities confirmed on May 26.
The explosion occurred at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging facility after an industrial tank holding roughly 900,000 gallons of chemicals ruptured. Emergency responders from the Longview Fire Department arrived at the site shortly after 7:18 a.m. local time and described the event as a significant industrial chemical incident.
Casualties and Injuries
Officials confirmed one person died after being transported to a nearby hospital, though the victim’s identity has not yet been released. Authorities indicated the death toll may rise as rescue and recovery operations continue.
In total, eight mill employees and one firefighter sustained injuries related to the explosion, including chemical burns. Emergency officials said injuries ranged in severity from minor to critical.
PeaceHealth Medical Center in Longview reported receiving nine patients connected to the incident, including the deceased victim. Six patients were listed in fair condition, while two others were transferred to different hospitals for further treatment. Officials said names of victims are being withheld until relatives are notified.
Recovery Efforts Delayed
Authorities temporarily suspended recovery operations Tuesday evening due to concerns over the structural stability of the damaged tank. Emergency crews said efforts to locate victims would resume once the area was reinforced and safe to enter.
Officials explained that responders are prioritising structural stabilisation before continuing recovery work in affected areas of the facility.
Chemical Involved and Public Safety
According to fire officials, the damaged tank contained “white liquor,” a chemical mixture commonly used in paper manufacturing. Although much of the substance escaped during the rupture, approximately 90,000 gallons reportedly remain inside the compromised tank.
Despite the scale of the explosion, authorities stressed there is no immediate danger to residents in surrounding communities. Firefighters and hazardous materials teams continue working alongside plant personnel to manage risks linked to the chemical spill.
Environmental Impact Under Review
The Washington Department of Ecology confirmed that white liquor entered a county drainage ditch following the explosion, violating the facility’s water quality permit. However, officials clarified that the company had no opportunity to properly treat the chemical beforehand due to the sudden nature of the incident.
An environmental spill response team remains on site to assess potential ecological effects and monitor water and hazardous waste concerns.
About the Facility
The Longview site includes both a pulp and paper mill and a liquid packaging plant. State records show the paper mill employs approximately 550 workers and produces large amounts of bleached paperboard and pulp annually, while the adjacent packaging facility employs around 450 people.
The facility manufactures paperboard materials used for cartons and cups designed for products including milk, coffee, juice, and sake.
Photo credit: City of Longview via AP. All rights reserved.