A serious chemical tank rupture accident occurred at a paper mill in Longview, Washington state on Tuesday, May 26. As of Wednesday, official sources confirmed that the death toll has risen to 2 people, with 9 employees missing and presumed dead.
If ultimately confirmed that 11 people perished, this would become one of the most severe occupational safety accidents in recent years in the United States, with a death toll potentially comparable to the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil platform explosion.
Washington State Governor Bob Ferguson expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims at a press conference. He said solemnly, “We are prepared for what could be the most serious industrial tragedy in the modern history of Washington state.”
The accident occurred at 7:15 a.m. on Tuesday at the site of the Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co. Many employees were at their workstations, only 15 minutes into their shift change when the explosion happened.
Scott Goldstein, Chief of the Cowlitz 2 Fire and Rescue, indicated that the affected area included administrative areas, break rooms, and workspaces. He stated, “When the explosion occurred, they were in their workspaces.”
The tank where the accident occurred had a capacity of 900,000 gallons, with approximately 60% loading at the time of the incident. The tank contained “white liquor,” a highly corrosive papermaking chemical mixture primarily composed of sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide used in breaking down wood chips to make pulp.
Officials reported that over 500,000 gallons of white liquor leaked, resulting in one immediate fatality, with 9 others injured and hospitalized. Unfortunately, one of the injured individuals succumbed to their injuries on Wednesday. Among the injured was also a firefighter who was hurt at the scene.
Due to the extremely unstable structure of the ruptured tank and the presence of approximately 25,000 gallons of caustic liquid inside, search and rescue operations were temporarily halted on Tuesday evening due to safety concerns.
Officials stressed that the bodies found must undergo rigorous decontamination procedures before being handed over to the coroner. Battalion Chief Matt Amos emphasized that rescue personnel would treat each victim with “the utmost dignity, care, and respect.”
This incident has shocked the industrial town of Longview, with a population of 40,000. The first victim to be identified was 52-year-old Gilbert Bernal, who had been working at the plant for over a decade.
His friend Todd Cornwell described Bernal as a dedicated worker who was actively involved in church activities and always ready to lend a helping hand. “He was always ready to pitch in and help with whatever needed to be done. When the local church school started flooding, he was one of the people on site helping out,” he said.
Bernal’s daughter, Geo Bernal, expressed in an interview that her father was proud of his career. He raised two children, worked full-time at a gas station, and attended night classes before joining Nippon Dynawave, having worked at several companies previously.
Brian Williquette, a chemical supplier to several local factories, recounted hearing an alarm over the intercom system at the plant on Tuesday morning. Initially, he thought it was a drill. He left the premises safely without witnessing any damage.
Speaking at a community vigil on Tuesday evening, he said, “It’s just unimaginable. Everyone who lives here knows someone who works at the paper mill.”
The U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) has announced a thorough investigation into this “lethal chemical tank internal explosion incident.”
Chairman Steve Owens stated the investigation aims to determine the cause of the accident and prevent similar tragedies from recurring.
Regarding environmental impact, though some chemicals have flowed into the Columbia River, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) stated that no significant effects have been observed.
Authorities emphasized that the air and drinking water in Longview are safe, but residents are urged to stay away from ditches and levees near the plant to avoid contact with residual chemicals.
The paper mill, which employs about 1,000 workers, is a vital economic pillar in the region.
Federal Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez noted that while conducting investigations is crucial, it should not become the last straw that breaks the back of this “still operational plant.”
She pointed out, “Residents here have seen one factory after another in the state closing down, always wondering if the next one will be their turn.”
Perez called for the implementation of a plan to address accidents, “so that we can have safe jobs, come home to our families at night, and rebuild public trust.”