Authorities in Longview, Washington are recovering victims after a chemical tank implodes at a pulp and paper mill. The tank rupture occurred Tuesday at Nippon Dynawave Packaging Company and involved a large volume of hazardous, highly caustic liquid. Early reports said at least one worker died and nine others were unaccounted for, with search efforts shifting toward recovery rather than rescue.
As the operation continues, multiple outlets report additional bodies recovered over subsequent days. By Friday, crews recovered another victim, raising the death toll to nine while leaving two workers still unaccounted for. Later, officials said the remains of two workers who were still missing were recovered on Saturday, bringing the confirmed total to 11.
Reports also describe injuries among people involved in or responding to the incident, including burns and inhalation injuries, with authorities stating the severity ranged from minor to critical. Some details about victims were released later, while officials said they were not initially releasing identifying information. The cause of the tank implosion remains under investigation, and authorities have said there was no immediate threat to the public.
