A massive chemical tank carrying nearly a million gallons of a highly corrosive liquid imploded and collapsed Tuesday at a Washington paper mill, killing at least one worker and leaving nine others missing, with authorities saying there is no hope for rescue.
Another nine people suffered injuries — several of them severe — in the spill at Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co. in Longview. Officials said the cause of the collapse remains under investigation.
“At the moment we are not aware of any rescues that are yet to be made,” Cowlitz Fire and Rescue Chief Scott Goldstein said during a Tuesday evening news conference, where officials repeatedly described the operation as a recovery effort.
Goldstein said crews will not resume recovery efforts until Wednesday morning. Emergency responders plan to stabilize the collapsed tank, which still contains about 90,000 gallons (more than 340,000 liters) of a chemical mixture known as “white liquor,” before beginning a search for the missing workers.
Authorities said the injuries ranged from minor to critical, with some victims suffering burns and inhalation-related injuries. One firefighter who responded to the scene was also among those hurt.
Officials said crews would operate only during daylight hours because of the ongoing risk that the tank could leak more caustic liquid or collapse further.
“We don’t know until we know, hopefully tomorrow, how we can stabilize the tank. Do we remove the product first? Do we stabilize the tank first or the vice versa?” Goldstein said.
Authorities also emphasized that the incident does not pose any threat to the public.
Washington officials, including Gov. Bob Ferguson and emergency responders, addressed the public Tuesday evening after a chemical tank rupture in Longview left one person dead, injured several others, and left nine employees unaccounted for.
According to the Longview Fire Department, the implosion of a 900,000-gallon vat containing white liquor was reported at Nippon Dynawave Packaging shortly before 7:30 a.m.
Officials said the white liquor involved in the incident is highly caustic and carries a dangerously high pH level, capable of causing second- and third-degree burns upon contact. Several people suffered chemical burns, and some emergency responders had their protective equipment damaged so severely that it had to be removed from service.
During a Tuesday night press conference, Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue Chief Scott Goldstein said the tank remains unstable. He explained that crews must first secure and stabilize the structure before any additional recovery operations can safely move forward.
Battalion Chief Matt Amos of the Longview Fire Department said crews are still assessing areas impacted by the implosion while continuing the search for the missing employees. He also confirmed that one firefighter injured during the response has since been released from the hospital.
Officials said additional updates on stabilization and recovery efforts are expected at 10 a.m. Wednesday.
“We ask that the public continue to stay clear of the area, including the surrounding dikes and ditches from Prudential Boulevard to Washington Way,” Amos added.
Gov. Bob Ferguson said the state has mobilized resources to support the response, with the Washington National Guard Civil Support Team already on site. He also directed the National Guard Homeland Response Force to assist with search and recovery operations in the contaminated area and help with decontamination efforts.
“On behalf of the people of the state of Washington, I want all those individuals to know that we stand with you,” Ferguson said. “We’ll be here doing everything we can to help with the situation, and we’ll be here as long as it takes.”
U.S. Sen. Patty Murray said she has been in contact with local leaders to ensure federal agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency and the United States Coast Guard, provide any assistance needed.
“I know there’s a lot of questions about how all of this happened,” she added. “I want to assure you we will all continue to pressure to get answers to those questions. This community deserves that.”
State Sen. Jeff Wilson, who said he has family members working at the affected facility, described the incident as a moment that will “show a test of our community.”
“For those that live here in this community, we know each other. It is time to reflect on that, but to also be patient if you can,” he said. “The process is going to take some time, the answers will be directed. But again, I think we’re going to get through this.”
During Tuesday night’s news conference, relatives of the missing workers pleaded for answers, saying they still had not received any information about loved ones who never returned home.
As investigators continue working to determine what caused the disaster, the community has begun rallying around the affected families for what officials say could be a long recovery process.
Legacy Health in Oregon confirmed it had received some patients from this incident. A spokesperson issued the following statement:
“Legacy Health shares the community’s concern for everyone affected by the chemical explosion in Longview. Legacy is currently caring for patients related to this incident, including at the Legacy Oregon Burn Center, and remains prepared to provide additional care as needed. To protect patient privacy, Legacy Health cannot provide additional information about individual patients. For additional information regarding the incident and emergency response, please contact the Longview Fire Department.”
Another press conference is scheduled at 7 p.m.
Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson issued the following statement about this incident:
“My team and I are tracking developments in Longview closely after a major chemical explosion. Responders from our state Department of Ecology have been deployed to the scene. I’m deeply saddened to hear that there have been fatalities. My thoughts are with the workers and their families, and with the first responders.”
US Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., issued the following statement about this incident:
“Today’s implosion was an absolute tragedy. My heart is with everyone who lost a loved one today—as well as the injured workers. I also want to acknowledge the heroism of the first responders and health care workers who are currently on the frontlines of this disaster. This is a developing situation that I am monitoring closely. In the days and weeks to come as Longview recovers from this disaster, I will be there every step of the way to support this community however I can.”
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