Multiple people have died, and at least 10 others are believed to be injured following an implosion of a chemical tank in Washington State.About 7.18am on Tuesday (local time), emergency services responded to the “rupture of a tank containing white liquor” at a pulp and paper mill facility, Nippon Dynawave Packaging.“Officials can also confirm fatalities related to the incident,” the company said during a press conference with emergency services. Authorities said an “unknown number” of people were killed, and some remain unaccounted for, but declined to say exactly how many. Ten people, including one firefighter, were reportedly hospitalised with injuries ranging from “critical, severe to minor.”According to the Longview Fire Department, multiple people suffered chemical burns and traumatic injuries.A spokesperson confirmed the medical centre had received nine patients from the incident, one of whom is deceased and six of whom are in a “fair condition.”The 300,000-litre tank, which was used to store caustic white liquor, was about 60 per cent full at the time of its implosion, according to Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue Chief Scott Goldstein.White liquor is an alkaline solution used to break solid wood chips into pulp in the papermaking process and is made up mostly of sodium sulphide, sodium hydroxide and disodium carbonate.The cause of the rupture is unknown at this time.“We’re dealing with life safety concerns and incident stabilisation at this point,” said Mr Goldstein. “That will come in the hours and days to come.”In a statement, the company and local authorities urged residents to avoid the area amid the active emergency response. “The scene remains in the recovery phase as emergency responders continue operations,” the statement said. “Responding agencies continue co-ordinating closely with facility personnel and partner agencies as the investigation and recovery efforts continue.”According to Nippon Dynawave’s website, the company produces “300,000 metric tonnes of premium paperboard for cartons and cups, equivalent to six billion litre-sized cartons of milk per year.”“Our state-of-the-art facility produces dry market pulp that becomes printing paper, tissue, pet pads, insulated doors, filtration paper, Kraft paper, and more,” they wrote.“We’re committed to offering a dynamic work environment focused on safety, professional excellence, delighting customers, and giving back to the community in any way we can.”The company employs over 1000 people across its pulp, paper and liquid packaging plant.More to come