Search to recover 9 missing employees to resume after deadly chemical tank rupture in Washington

Search to recover 9 missing employees to resume after deadly chemical tank rupture in Washington

Industrial accident at paper plant raises concerns about safety protocols

Search to recover 9 missing employees – Rescue teams face challenging conditions as they continue their search for nine missing workers following a fatal chemical tank explosion at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co. facility in Longview, Washington. The incident occurred on Tuesday morning, triggering an emergency response that left at least one person dead and nine others injured. Initial reports indicate that the 900,000-gallon tank, which held hazardous chemicals, ruptured, releasing a significant portion of its contents into the environment. Officials noted that approximately 90,000 gallons of material may still be trapped inside the compromised tank, creating a risk for first responders and complicating recovery operations.

White liquor, the chemical mixture involved in the accident, is commonly used in the paper-making process to break down wood chips. Its caustic nature means it can cause severe burns upon contact with skin, according to Longview Fire Battalion Chief Matt Amos. Amos added that inhaling concentrated vapor from the liquid poses health risks, though it typically acts as an irritant rather than a life-threatening agent in the air. The injured include eight employees and a firefighter who was treated and released, as confirmed by fire officials on Tuesday.

“At the moment, we are not aware of any rescues that are yet to be made,” said Cowlitz County fire official Scott Goldstein during Tuesday’s incident update.

Efforts to locate the missing individuals were paused Tuesday evening due to safety concerns. The unstable tank posed a risk of collapsing on rescuers or exposing them to corrosive chemicals used in the plant’s operations. To mitigate these dangers, local, regional, and state agencies collaborated with facility staff to reinforce and stabilize the site. These measures are expected to allow recovery efforts to restart on Wednesday morning, officials stated in a press release.

The search for the missing workers will require navigating hazardous conditions, including the possibility of further chemical leaks and structural instability. Gilbert Bernal, a beloved father and grandfather, is among those confirmed dead. His daughter, Geovana Bernal-Ferguson, shared with CNN on Wednesday that hospital staff identified the deceased man as Bernal through photographic confirmation. However, the family remains awaiting official identification from the coroner.

Officials have not yet disclosed the names of those killed or injured in the incident. The location of the accident, the Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co. facility, is situated in Longview, approximately 50 miles north of Portland, Oregon, and 130 miles south of Seattle. The plant produces pulp for paper products and paperboard used in packaging items such as cartons and cups. The rupture happened around 7:30 a.m., sending shockwaves through the community and prompting immediate evacuations.

Broader context of industrial accidents in recent months

The incident at the Washington plant is part of a pattern of industrial accidents that have shaken public confidence in safety practices across the U.S. in recent months. In Southern California, a similar emergency unfolded this week when a chemical tank overheated, prompting thousands of residents to evacuate. Authorities managed to avert a catastrophic explosion by cracking the tank, which reduced pressure and eliminated the risk of a major blast.

Earlier in April, a chemical leak at a West Virginia plant involving nitric acid and another substance resulted in two fatalities and over a dozen injuries. The Associated Press reported that the leak contaminated nearby areas, forcing emergency crews to act swiftly. Last October, a powerful explosion at a Tennessee explosives plant claimed 16 lives, with the blast registering as a 1.6 magnitude earthquake. A month prior, an explosion at a US Steel plant in Pennsylvania killed two workers and injured more than 10 others, including one trapped beneath debris.

“The tank could have fallen on first responders, who might have also encountered corrosive chemicals during the operation,” Goldstein explained.

The Washington incident has also prompted caution for the surrounding community. While there is no immediate threat to the public, the Longview Fire Department urged residents to stay away from dikes and ditches between Washington Way and Prudential Boulevard, citing potential exposure to chemical fumes and runoff. Officials observed an initial rise in pH levels in nearby waterways after the rupture, leading to the shutdown of dike system pumps to contain the spill.

As the search for the missing continues, questions remain about the causes of the tank rupture. Details about how the accident occurred were not immediately available, though investigators are expected to analyze the situation thoroughly. CNN has reached out to Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co. for further comments on the incident. The company has not yet released a statement, leaving the public to speculate about the underlying factors that led to the disaster.

Despite the severity of the accident, the facility’s operations have been temporarily suspended to ensure safety. The 90,000 gallons of white liquor that leaked mixed with water from a ruptured fire main, creating a large pool of hazardous liquid. While most of the material remains on-site, the environmental impact is being closely monitored. Goldstein emphasized the importance of stabilizing the tank before proceeding with recovery, noting that even small shifts could lead to further complications.

With nine employees still unaccounted for, the search efforts are critical in determining the full scope of the tragedy. The family of Gilbert Bernal, who died in the incident, is awaiting formal confirmation from the coroner to finalize the cause of death. This delay underscores the complexity of the situation, as investigators work to piece together the sequence of events leading to the rupture.

Local authorities have expressed concern about the incident’s implications for industrial safety. The accident highlights the need for stricter monitoring of chemical storage systems and improved emergency protocols. As recovery operations progress, the focus will remain on both rescuing the missing individuals and assessing the long-term effects of the chemical release on the environment and surrounding areas.

The Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co. facility, which has been a key part of Longview’s economy, now faces scrutiny over its safety measures. The incident has sparked discussions about the potential for similar accidents in other industrial plants, prompting calls for enhanced inspections and training. While the immediate danger has been contained, the psychological and economic impact of the event continues to ripple through the community.

With the search resuming on Wednesday, hopes remain for finding survivors and bringing closure to the families of the missing. The combination of treacherous conditions and the urgency of the situation will test the resilience of both the rescue teams and the local community. As the investigation unfolds, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks inherent in industrial operations and the importance of preparedness in preventing future tragedies.