Photo: Mathieu Lewis-Rolland / Getty Images News / Getty Images
In Longview, Washington, a tragic incident at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co. paper mill has left 11 people presumed dead following a catastrophic chemical tank rupture on Tuesday (May 26). The rupture, which occurred during a shift change, spilled over 500,000 gallons of "white liquor," a hazardous chemical used in paper manufacturing.
The search for survivors has shifted to a recovery operation as hopes of finding anyone alive have dwindled. The incident also resulted in injuries to eight individuals, including a firefighter who has since been released from the hospital.
The rupture is one of the deadliest industrial accidents in the U.S. in recent years, comparable to past incidents like the Deepwater Horizon explosion in 2010. The paper mill's tank, capable of holding 900,000 gallons, was more than half full when it ruptured, causing significant structural damage. Contamination reached the Columbia River, but no adverse effects on the river have been observed so far.
The cause of the rupture remains unclear, and the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board has launched an investigation to determine the cause and prevent future occurrences. The incident has left the tight-knit community of Longview in mourning, with residents gathering for a vigil to honor the victims.
Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co. employs about 1,000 people and is a significant part of the local economy. In a statement, the company expressed its "deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families."
Authorities have urged residents to avoid drainage ditches and dikes due to potential contamination. The state of Washington has deployed its National Guard to assist with air monitoring and environmental safety measures.