Eleven Dead in Washington State Chemical Tank Rupture, All Bodies Recovered

The death toll from a chemical tank rupture at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co. facility in Longview, Washington, has risen to 11, with recovery crews retrieving the bodies of all nine previously missing workers ^[1][2]. The incident occurred when a tank containing approximately 900,000 gallons of a chemical solution known as ‘white liquor’ ruptured, releasing the substance used in paper pulp production ^[1][2].

Recovery efforts were conducted by crews who navigated debris in indoor areas and utilized drones to survey the perimeter of the site ^[1]. The operation was described as slow and methodical due to hazards posed by remaining chemicals and structural instability. Recovered remains were decontaminated before being transferred to the coroner’s office ^[2].

Tests confirmed that contamination from the rupture entered the nearby Columbia River. However, no negative health impacts have been detected on air quality or Longview’s drinking water ^[1].

The facility, which operates under the Nippon Dynawave Packaging subsidiary, was acquired by Nippon Paper Industries in 2016 from Weyerhaeuser ^[1].

Authorities have stated that the cause of the tank collapse remains under investigation ^[2].

What Is Known

The chemical tank rupture resulted in 11 fatalities at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co. facility in Longview, Washington. The tank contained ‘white liquor,’ a mixture of sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide, used in paper pulp production. Recovery crews have successfully retrieved all missing workers’ bodies, and contamination has been detected in the Columbia River ^[1][2].

What Remains Unclear

The cause of the tank rupture is still under investigation by authorities. No adverse health effects have been reported in the area, but the long-term environmental impact of the chemical spill remains to be fully assessed ^[1][2].