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At least 1 dead, 9 missing after chemical explosion in Longview
One person is dead, nine others are missing and multiple people suffered chemical burns after a 900,000-gallon tank of highly corrosive material imploded at a pulp and paper mill in Longview, Washington.
LONGVIEW, Wash. - One person is confirmed dead and nine others are missing after a major chemical implosion at a facility in Longview, triggering a massive emergency response that has forced officials to close off the surrounding industrial area.
What we know:
According to the Longview Fire Department, it was first reported as an explosion that happened at about 7:30 a.m. Tuesday at Nippon Dynawave Packaging, a pulp and paper mill located at 3401 Industrial Way.
Crews with the fire department and the Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office responded to a report of a rupture of a 900,000-gallon tank containing white liquor, a highly corrosive chemical mixture.
The incident caused at least one fatality and nine injuries. According to officials, one employee was killed, and nine others remain unaccounted for. One firefighter and eight personnel on site were transported to hospitals with injuries ranging from minor to critical, including chemical burns and inhalation injuries.
Authorities have locked down the immediate perimeter, instructing residents to stay away from Industrial Way and avoid all surrounding paths while rescue teams manage the scene.
State officials held a press conference Tuesday night, where Longview authorities were joined by Governor Bob Ferguson, Senator Patty Murray, Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, along with other political leaders. Gov. Ferguson said state mobilization has been activated, emergency management has been in contact with local responders, and the National Guard has been called out to assist.
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WA officials hold press conference on deadly Longview chemical implosion
Washington state officials held a press conference Tuesday after a chemical tank explosion killed and injured multiple people at a paper mill in Longview.
What is white liquor?
White liquor is a chemical solution made up of sodium hydroxide, sodium sulfide and disodium carbonate.
The mixture is used in the paper-making process. The Nippon plant is a pulp and paper mill, and a liquid packaging facility.
The tank, which was originally believed to contain 80,000 gallons, reportedly held approximately 900,000 gallons of white liquor. Fire officials estimate there is still roughly 90,000 gallons of material left in the damaged tank.
What we don't know:
The cause of the chemical implosion is under investigation.
Authorities initially said there were multiple fatalities in the implosion, but have only confirmed one death. The employee who died, along with the nine others who are still missing, have not been identified.
Officials said there is no immediate threat to the surrounding community, but the public should stay clear of the area.
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Workers missing after Longview paper mill implosion
At least 10 people are injured and several are dead after an 8,000-gallon chemical tank imploded at a Longview paper mill, officials say.
What they're saying:
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson said he's headed to Longview to meet with officials regarding the implosion. He also said he's praying for the victims and families involved.
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) also issued the following statement about the chemical implosion:
"I am devastated by reports of fatalities following today’s chemical explosion at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co. facility in Longview. My heart is with the workers, families, and entire Longview community as they wait for updates about their loved ones. I’m grateful to the first responders who are on the scene working to keep people safe. We are closely monitoring the situation and remain in contact with state and local officials. Please follow instructions from local authorities."
During a press conference Tuesday afternoon, Longview first responders addressed the public.
"This is a tragic incident for our community. Our thoughts remain with the victims, their families, co-workers, and everyone who has been impacted by it," said Longview Fire Battalion Chief Mike Gorsuch.
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Multiple people killed, 10 hurt in Longview, WA white liquor tank explosion
Authorities have confirmed that 10 people, including a responding firefighter, were injured after a chemical tank imploded at a pulp and paper mill in Washington state on Tuesday. But they declined to immediately say how many workers had been killed or remained missing. In a joint statement, Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co. and local first response agencies confirmed there had been fatalities. Cowlitz Fire and Rescue Chief Scott Goldstein told a news conference that it was unclear how many workers had been killed. Asked how many remained missing, he replied: "We have information on that, but we’re not releasing that information."
This is a developing story and will be updated.
The Source: Information in this story came from the Longview Fire Department, a social media post from Governor Bob Ferguson, a statement from U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, and FOX 13 Seattle reporting.
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