One person has been killed and at least nine others injured, including a firefighter, after a chemical tank imploded at a packaging plant in Longview, Washington, early on Tuesday morning. The Longview Fire Department confirmed the fatality and said eight employees and one firefighter sustained injuries, with some in critical condition.
The incident occurred when a tank containing white liquor, a caustic solution used in paper production, ruptured at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging facility. The tank was approximately 60% full at the time, and the spill was contained in a drainage ditch, with officials stating there is no immediate threat to the public.
Nine employees remain unaccounted for, and authorities have not released identifying information pending family notifications. The scene is in the recovery phase, with emergency responders continuing operations. The fire department said crews are working with Nippon employees to mitigate the product and container involved.
Battalion Chief Michael Gorsuch described some injuries as critical and life-threatening. US Senator Patty Murray called the implosion an “absolute tragedy”, expressing condolences to those affected. The plant, which employs around 1,000 people, has been a key part of the Longview community since 1953.
