A chemical tank at a Washington paper mill imploded Tuesday, leaving one dead and nine missing, according to authorities.Around 7:15 a.m. Tuesday, a chemical tank imploded at Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co.’s facility, which is a pulp and paper mill and liquid packaging plant along the Columbia River in Longview, Washington.Authorities said recovery operations are still ongoing as they wait before releasing more information on the victims. According to authorities, the responding firefighter was among those injured. Some victims also suffered burns or inhalation injuries, ranging from critical to minor.
“The people who are responders here have friends and relatives that work on-site,” Cowlitz Fire and Rescue Chief Scott Goldstein said in a news conference. “It is something that is impactful, and we have support networks to support the workers as well as the emergency responders.”
This photo provided by the City of Longview, Washington, shows structural damage to the Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co., after a tank containing hazardous liquid imploded, on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, in Longview, Washington. (City of Longview via AP)
Goldstein noted that the 80,000-gallon tank that imploded was about 60% full with a chemical known as “white liquor,” a corrosive substance consisting mainly of sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide. The plant employs roughly 1,000 people and makes material for tissues, printing paper, cups, plates, cartons, and other goods.
