Crews have recovered the remains of six of nine workers who were reported missing after a massive chemical tank ruptured at a paper mill in southwest Washington, authorities said Thursday. The incident has left 11 people dead and eight others injured, making it one of the deadliest workplace disasters in the United States in recent decades.
The collapse happened Tuesday morning at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co. mill in Longview, a city along the Columbia River near the Oregon border. A tank holding more than 500,000 gallons of a chemical mixture used in paper production failed, releasing a large volume of caustic liquid capable of causing severe burns and lung injuries.
Recovery
Longview Fire Battalion Chief Matt Amos said the six workers whose remains were recovered had been in an area where employees typically gather during shift changes while waiting for assignments. The collapse occurred during one of those shift transitions.
Three workers remain unaccounted for. Officials said recovery efforts are ongoing but slow due to safety concerns at the site.
As remains are located, crews must follow strict decontamination procedures before transferring them to the coroner’s office for identification. Search personnel also undergo decontamination due to the hazardous nature of the chemicals involved.
Hazards
Amos said crews are avoiding the area closest to the damaged tank because of the risk of additional structural collapse. Engineers are working alongside first responders to assess whether surrounding buildings are stable enough to enter.
“The environment remains dangerous,” Amos said, noting that both chemical exposure and industrial hazards continue to complicate recovery operations.
Victims
Authorities have not officially released the names of those killed, but friends and family members have begun confirming deaths and organizing online fundraisers.
Among those identified was Gilbert Bernal, an electrician and grandfather described by friends as generous and dependable. Todd Cornwell, a longtime friend, said Bernal was “one of the most genuinely good people that you’ve ever met.”
Also among the presumed dead was 26-year-old CJ Doran, described in a verified GoFundMe campaign as a devoted husband and family provider.
Other victims identified by friends include John Forsberg, a father of two; Jared Ammons, who had two children with another on the way; and Braydon Finkas, an electrician known in his community for helping others and welcoming exchange students into his home.
Injuries
Eight people were injured in the incident, including a firefighter. Authorities said some victims suffered chemical burns and inhalation injuries. The conditions of those injured were not immediately released.
Investigation
The cause of the tank failure remains under investigation. Officials have not said whether the tank showed signs of structural problems before the collapse or whether workplace safety violations are suspected.
The mill’s parent company, Nippon Paper Group of Japan, said in a statement that it offered its “deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families.”
Environmental Impact
Authorities said Thursday that air quality and drinking water in and around Longview have not been contaminated. Crews have been flushing water from nearby ditches, diluting it before pumping it into the Columbia River.
Some contamination has reached the river, but the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said it has had no noticeable environmental impact.
Community
Longview, a city of about 40,000 residents, has long-standing ties to the paper and timber industries. Many families have worked in local mills for generations, and residents said the loss has been felt widely throughout the community.
The Nippon Dynawave facility employs about 1,000 workers and produces materials used for tissues, printing paper, cups, plates, and cartons. It sits along a stretch of the Columbia River shared by other timber, paper, and chemical operations.
Recovery and investigation efforts are expected to continue in the coming days.
FAQs
Where did the tank rupture occur?
At the Nippon Dynawave paper mill in Longview, Washington.
How many people were killed?
Eleven workers were killed in the incident.
How many workers are still missing?
Three workers have not yet been recovered.
What chemical was released?
A caustic mixture used to break down wood for paper.
Is the environment affected?
Officials say air and drinking water remain safe.
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