A tragic incident at Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co, a paper mill in Longview, Washington state, resulted in the collapse of a chemical tank holding nearly a million gallons of a highly corrosive liquid, leading to the death of one worker and leaving nine others missing. Authorities have declared the situation a recovery effort, with no hope of rescue for the missing individuals at this time.
Emergency responders are set to resume their efforts to stabilize the collapsed tank, which still contains around 90,000 gallons of a chemical known as “white liquor,” before initiating a search for the missing individuals. The injuries sustained by those involved ranged from minor to critical, with some suffering burns or inhalation injuries, including a firefighter.
Due to the risk of further leakage from the tank, authorities have limited their operations to daylight hours only. The community has come together in solidarity, with a vigil held to support the affected families and friends. The incident has sparked concerns and questions regarding safety measures at the facility, with ongoing investigations and safety complaints against Nippon Dynawave.
The facility, which has a history dating back to the 1920s, plays a significant role in the local economy, employing approximately 1,000 individuals and producing various paper and packaging materials. The spilled white liquor has raised environmental concerns, prompting assessments by the state Ecology Department.
Despite the tragic event, there is no immediate threat to the public. The authorities are working diligently to address the aftermath of the incident and provide support to the affected individuals and their families.