9 Workers Missing After Deadly Nippon Dynawave Paper Mill Explosion In Washington
Skip to content
Stick to the Facts
Add Nbsla.ca as a Preferred Source on Google to see more of our stories in your search results.
A devastating Longview WA chemical explosion has shocked residents across Longview Washington after a massive tank rupture at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging facility left at least one person dead, multiple workers injured, and nine employees missing. The tragic Washington chemical explosion happened Tuesday morning at the company’s pulp and paper mill in Longview WA , triggering a massive emergency response and raising serious questions about industrial safety at one of the region’s major paper production plants.<br>The incident, now being widely referred to as the Longview explosion , occurred at the Nippon Dynawave facility in Longview Washington , where a giant tank containing dangerous caustic chemicals suddenly ruptured. Officials confirmed the tank held nearly 900,000 gallons of “white liquor,” a highly corrosive industrial chemical mixture used in the paper-making process.<br>The horrifying paper mill explosion has become one of the most serious industrial accidents in Washington in recent years.<br>What Happened in the Longview WA Chemical Explosion?<br>Emergency crews responded to the Nippon Dynawave Packaging plant around 7:18 a.m. local time after reports of a catastrophic tank failure inside the paper mill complex in Longview WA .<br>Authorities said a huge storage tank filled with white liquor ruptured violently, sending dangerous chemicals through parts of the industrial site. The Longview chemical explosion immediately created an extremely hazardous environment for workers and first responders.<br>Officials later confirmed:<br>At least one worker was killed<br>Eight workers were injured<br>One firefighter was injured<br>Nine workers remained missing after the blast<br>Search operations had to be paused because of fears that the damaged tank could collapse further.<br>The deadly Washington explosion sent shockwaves through the local community, especially because the Nippon Dynawave Packaging facility is one of the area’s largest employers.<br>What Is White Liquor?<br>The chemical involved in the Longview WA news incident was identified as white liquor , a caustic substance commonly used in pulp and paper manufacturing.<br>White liquor contains:<br>Sodium hydroxide<br>Sodium sulfide<br>Disodium carbonate<br>Officials explained that white liquor is critical in breaking down wood into pulp during paper production. However, it is also extremely corrosive and dangerous when released in large quantities.<br>The Longview chemical explosion became even more dangerous because approximately 90,000 gallons of chemicals reportedly remained inside the unstable tank after the rupture.<br>Authorities in Washington said stabilization efforts were extremely difficult due to ongoing chemical hazards and structural concerns.<br>Search for Missing Workers Continues<br>Officials said rescue and recovery crews planned to resume operations May 27 once the site became safer.<br>According to fire officials, parts of the facility remain inaccessible because of:<br>Structural instability<br>Chemical contamination<br>Risk of additional collapse<br>Scott Goldstein of Cowlitz 2 Fire and Rescue said recovery efforts are “extremely complex” due to the unstable condition of the chemical tank.<br>The tragedy has deeply affected Longview Washington , where many residents know workers employed at the paper mill.<br>Community members gathered Tuesday evening for an emotional candlelight vigil following the deadly paper mill explosion . Some attendees held photographs of loved ones still missing after the incident.<br>Injured Victims Suffered Chemical Burns<br>PeaceHealth confirmed it received multiple victims from the Longview explosion .<br>Hospital officials said:<br>Six patients were listed in fair condition<br>Two victims were transferred to other facilities<br>Several workers suffered chemical burns<br>The injured firefighter was treated and later released.<br>Authorities have not yet publicly identified any of the victims involved in the devastating Washington chemical explosion .<br>What Is Nippon Dynawave?<br>Nippon Dynawave Packaging operates a major pulp and paper production facility in Longview WA .<br>According to state environmental officials, the site:<br>Employs hundreds of workers<br>Produces liquid packaging paperboard<br>Manufactures pulp products used worldwide<br>Supplies materials for cartons, cups, milk containers, coffee packaging, and beverage products<br>The company’s Longview Washington operations reportedly produce hundreds of thousands of tons of packaging paper annually.<br>The massive scale of the plant has made the Nippon Longview WA facility a major industrial center in the state of Washington .<br>Environmental Officials Monitoring the Site<br>Following the Washington explosion , environmental teams were sent to evaluate possible impacts from the chemical release.<br>The Washington Department of Ecology confirmed a spill response...