A large chemical tank failure at a paper mill in Longview, Washington, has left at least one worker dead and nine others missing, with several more injured, after a sudden implosion released a highly corrosive industrial liquid at the facility. The incident occurred Tuesday at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co. plant along the Columbia River, prompting a large emergency response and an ongoing recovery operation.
Authorities say the tank, which held a large volume of industrial processing liquid used in paper production, collapsed unexpectedly. The cause has not yet been determined, and officials are continuing to assess structural and environmental risks at the site.
Incident
The collapse happened at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co. facility in Longview, a city in southwestern Washington with a long history tied to the timber and paper industries.
Officials reported that the tank involved contained “white liquor,” a highly caustic chemical mixture primarily made of sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide. The liquid is commonly used in the kraft pulping process to break down wood fibers for paper manufacturing.
Initial estimates of the tank’s capacity were later revised, with authorities stating it may have held up to 900,000 gallons of the chemical solution. At the time of the incident, a significant portion remained inside the damaged structure.
Emergency
Emergency crews responded quickly, but officials said conditions at the site limited immediate rescue efforts. Cowlitz Fire and Rescue Chief Scott Goldstein said there were no confirmed rescues made at the time of the evening briefing, and the operation had shifted toward recovery rather than active search and rescue.
Nine people were reported missing following the collapse. Another nine workers sustained injuries ranging from minor to severe, including burns and inhalation-related harm. One responding firefighter was also injured during the emergency response.
Officials said the response would be paused overnight due to safety risks, including potential further leakage and structural instability of the tank.
Recovery
Authorities planned to resume operations the following morning after daylight, focusing first on stabilizing the damaged tank before continuing search efforts. Roughly 90,000 gallons of chemical material were believed to still be inside the compromised structure.
Officials emphasized that the unstable conditions made it unclear whether responders should prioritize removing remaining liquid or reinforcing the structure first. These decisions were expected to be made on site based on evolving safety assessments.
At this stage, officials have described the operation as highly hazardous, with the risk of further collapse remaining a key concern.
Chemical
The substance involved, known as “white liquor,” is a key industrial chemical used in pulp and paper manufacturing. It plays a central role in breaking down raw wood into usable fiber for products such as packaging, printing paper, and disposable goods.
Because of its strong alkaline properties, white liquor can cause serious chemical burns and respiratory injury upon contact or exposure. This contributed to the severity of injuries reported among workers and responders.
Following the rupture, portions of the chemical mixture entered a drainage ditch near the facility. State environmental officials have been dispatched to assess potential impacts and containment needs.
Community
The Longview facility is a major employer in the region, with approximately 1,000 workers. The plant has operated since the mid-20th century and remains closely tied to the local economy.
Community members gathered at nearby locations Tuesday evening as families sought information about missing workers. Local officials and federal representatives attended briefings, but company representatives did not speak publicly at the initial news conference.
Residents described uncertainty and concern as they awaited confirmation about the condition of loved ones working at the site.
Investigation
Authorities have not yet determined what caused the tank to implode. Structural failure, operational issues, and equipment conditions are expected to be part of the ongoing investigation.
State labor officials noted that prior safety complaints had been filed at the facility in recent months, though they stated those issues were not directly related to the tank involved in the incident. Regulatory records show the company has previously received citations for workplace safety violations over the past several years.
Officials stressed that the current investigation remains in its early stages, and no conclusions have been reached regarding fault or contributing factors.
Safety
Industrial chemical facilities operate under strict safety protocols due to the hazardous nature of materials involved. Even so, large-scale equipment failures can present significant risks to workers and emergency responders.
Experts note that tanks storing corrosive liquids must be regularly inspected and maintained to prevent structural degradation. When failures occur, the combination of chemical exposure and physical collapse can complicate rescue operations and increase response time requirements.
In this case, responders were also limited by daylight-only operational decisions due to ongoing safety concerns at the site.
Impact
The incident has temporarily halted operations at the facility as authorities continue recovery and stabilization efforts. Environmental teams are monitoring nearby areas for potential contamination risks.
For the Longview community, the plant is both an economic anchor and a long-standing industrial presence. Events like this often have ripple effects that extend beyond immediate emergency response, affecting families, workers, and local services.
Officials have stated that further updates will be provided as recovery operations continue and more information becomes available about the missing workers and the cause of the collapse.
The chemical tank implosion at the Longview paper mill has triggered a large-scale recovery operation and an ongoing investigation into one of the most serious industrial incidents in the region in recent years. With multiple workers still unaccounted for and the cause unclear, authorities continue to prioritize stabilization, safety, and information gathering as the situation develops.
FAQs
Where did the incident happen?
At the Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co. paper mill in Longview, Washington.
What chemical was involved?
A corrosive industrial liquid known as white liquor used in paper production.
How many people are missing?
Nine workers were reported missing after the tank collapse.
Were there injuries reported?
Yes, nine people were injured, including burns and inhalation injuries.
Is the cause known?
No, the cause of the tank implosion is still under investigation.
