Washington state crews recovered the remains of another victim from a massive chemical tank rupture at a paper mill, bringing the death toll to nine and leaving two workers still unaccounted for. The disaster occurred on Tuesday morning at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging Company in Longview, a city along the Columbia River.
Details of the Incident
A tank containing over 500,000 gallons of a chemical mixture used to break down wood for paper production collapsed, releasing a flood of caustic chemicals powerful enough to overturn pickup trucks and damage buildings. The liquid, known as white liquor, causes severe burns on contact and lung damage if vapors are inhaled.
The recovery of victims has been slow and methodical, complicated by the dangers posed by remaining chemicals and other industrial hazards, said Matt Amos, Longview fire battalion chief. Six bodies were found on Thursday. Crews are steering clear of the zone closest to the tank and working with engineers to determine which damaged buildings are safe to enter. Remains must be decontaminated before being turned over to the coroner's office, and searchers must also decontaminate themselves.
Victims and Community Impact
Among the 11 workers presumed killed were brothers Tyler and Brad Covington, who worked together at the plant. An online fundraiser for Tyler Covington's family noted he "leaves behind his wife and their three beautiful children." Gilbert Bernal, an electrician and grandfather, was the first confirmed death. Friend Todd Cornwell described him as "one of the most genuinely good people." John Forsberg, a trivia enthusiast, was also among the deceased. Friend Kole Musgrove said Forsberg was "wicked smart" and a tremendous sport. The local brewery is renaming its trivia trophy the Forsberg Cup in his honor.
Other victims include CJ Doran, 26, described as the spiritual leader of his family; Jared Ammons, who had two children and another on the way; and Braydon Finkas, an electrician who helped other farmers and hosted exchange students. The tank failure also injured eight people, including a firefighter, with some suffering burns or inhalation injuries.
Investigation and Response
The tragedy is one of the deadliest US workplace accidents in recent decades, and its cause is under investigation. The mill's Japanese parent company, Nippon Paper Group, expressed heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families. Community vigils have been held to support the victims and their families.
