Chemical tank implodes at Washington paper mill, leaving 1 dead, 9 missing, and multiple injured
At least one person was reported dead and nine others remained missing after a tank containing white liquor imploded at a paper mill in Longview, Washington, at approximately 07:15 LT on May 26, injuring multiple workers and emergency responders.
Imploded chemical tank at Nippon Dynawave paper mill on May 26, 2026. Credit: Longview Fire Department
At least one person was reported dead, while nine others went missing after a chemical tank imploded at a paper mill in southern Washington State on May 26.
The incident occurred at a Nippon Dynawave Packaging Company facility located at 3401 Industrial Way in Longview. Emergency responders, along with hazmat technicians, were dispatched following the rupture of a tank containing white liquor that occurred at approximately 07:15 LT on the morning of May 26.
Multiple people were injured at the scene, including one firefighter and eight employees, all of whom were hospitalized. Authorities said some victims had suffered burns or inhalation injuries, and that the severity of the injuries ranged from minor to critical.
“Recovery efforts remain complex due to ongoing safety concerns at the site. While originally believed to contain approximately 80 000 gallons, officials now report the tank held approximately 900 000 gallons of white liquor. Longview Fire and Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue estimate roughly 90 000 gallons of material may remain inside the damaged tank,” the Longview Fire Department reported.
“Currently, the tank remains unstable, creating hazardous conditions for emergency personnel. Responders are continuing efforts to structurally reinforce and stabilize the site before additional recovery operations can safely proceed,” they added.
White liquor is a chemical compound consisting of sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide, and is commonly used to treat pulp and break it down before turning it into paper.
“At this time, officials state there is no immediate threat to the surrounding community, and ask that the public stay clear of the area to allow emergency personnel to safely continue operations. Additional information will be released as it becomes verified and available,” Nippon Dynawave Packaging Company said in a statement.
“We’ve mobilized the Washington National Guard Civil Support Team, which is now on site. They will assist, for example, the Department of Ecology with air monitoring,” Governor Bob Ferguson said.
“I’ve directed the National Guard Homeland Response Force to be on site to assist with search and recovery in a contaminated environment, as well as mass decontamination,” Ferguson added.
The facility, which employs about 1 000 people and dates back to 1953, makes material for tissues, printing paper, cups, plates, cartons, and other goods. It is located in an industrial zone shared by other timber, paper, and chemical businesses.
The cause of the implosion remains under investigation.
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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