A catastrophic chemical tank collapse at a Washington state paper manufacturing facility Tuesday morning resulted in multiple fatalities and severe injuries, according to company representatives and local emergency officials.
The tank failure occurred at 7:15 a.m. at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co. facility in Longview, Washington. Company officials and law enforcement agencies released a combined statement confirming the incident produced “multiple critical injuries” along with an unspecified number of deaths. Emergency responders reported that victims sustained burn wounds and breathing-related injuries from the accident. Officials emphasized there was no danger to surrounding communities.
The official announcement came more than four hours following the tank failure, with authorities stating that rescue and recovery efforts were ongoing. Officials indicated they would not identify casualties until family members could be contacted.
Family members and friends gathered outside the company’s main entrance Tuesday, hoping to learn about employees they knew who worked inside the plant. These individuals refused to speak with an Associated Press journalist.
The manufacturing complex operates as both a pulp production facility and liquid packaging operation, creating materials for facial tissues, office paper, disposable cups and plates, beverage containers and similar products. The Washington State Department of Ecology reports the plant workforce totals approximately 1,000 employees.
The failed container held a chemical mixture called “white liquor,” a caustic solution composed primarily of sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide that breaks down wood fibers during kraft paper manufacturing. Kraft paper serves as a strong packaging material used in shopping bags and various container applications.
Mike Gorsuch, battalion chief with the fire department in Longview, Washington, characterized the situation as a “mass casualty scene.” Emergency personnel decontaminated injured workers before transporting them to medical facilities in Longview and Vancouver, Washington, Gorsuch explained.
Approximately 40 fire and emergency medical personnel responded to the incident, supported by a specialized hazardous materials response team, according to Gorsuch.
Meanwhile, thousands of southern California residents remained displaced Tuesday following damage to a chemical storage tank at an aerospace manufacturing plant.
