2 confirmed dead, 9 remain unaccounted for after chemical vat implosion at Longview paper mill

LONGVIEW, Wash. (KPTV) – Two people are confirmed dead and nine others remain unaccounted for after an implosion at the Nippon Dynawave paper mill in Longview on Tuesday.

Officials say a 900,000 gallon tank containing a highly destructive chemical called white liquor imploded at the facility, located at 3401 Industrial Way, just after 7:15 a.m. on Tuesday, May 26.

At least two people are confirmed dead; one person died at the scene and another person died after being taken to a hospital.

At a news conference Wednesday afternoon, Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson called it “the deadliest industrial tragedy in modern Washington state history.”

Eight others, including a firefighter, were injured and taken to area hospitals for treatment. Some of those injured are being treated at the Oregon Burn Center.

Recovery efforts are underway Wednesday to find nine people who are missing and presumed dead.

Officials said as people are recovered they will undergo decontamination before being transported to the Cowlitz County Coroner’s Office for identification and family notification.

Recovery efforts were initially delayed due to safety concerns of the structural integrity of the damaged tank. An estimated 90,000 gallons of chemical product was believed to still be in the tank.

Officials said an inspection revealed the remaining product is at about 25,000 and the tank was in a stable position, allowing emergency responders to develop a plan to move forward to remove it.

Investigators are still looking into what caused the tank to implode in the first place and if there’s risk of it happening again.

The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) said it will begin an investigation into the implosion.

Officials say there is not a direct threat to the surrounding community. People should continue to avoid the area and stay away from streets between Washington Way stretching to Prudential Blvd.

At this time, officials said there are no negative health impacts to air quality or the City of Longview’s drinking water system.

People are being asked to stay clear of ditches and dikes in the city while water testing is underway.