Tragedy at Longview Paper Mill: 11 Dead After Chemical Tank Implosion

"The deadliest industrial disaster in modern Washington State history."

On June 1, 2024, officials in Longview, Washington, confirmed that all nine workers missing following a chemical tank implosion at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co. paper mill on May 26 have been recovered and identified. The incident has resulted in a total of 11 fatalities.

Incident Timeline

The incident occurred on Tuesday, May 26, at approximately 7:15 a.m., during a shift change. A large vat containing "white liquor," a corrosive chemical mixture used in the kraft paper pulping process, suffered a catastrophic implosion and rupture. The tank, designed to hold approximately 900,000 gallons, was estimated to be about 60% full at the time.

Following the implosion, authorities reported one fatality and nine injured individuals, including eight employees and one firefighter. Nine employees were initially listed as missing. Two of the injured employees died later at a hospital, bringing the initial confirmed death toll to three. The operation transitioned from rescue to recovery on Wednesday, May 27, after the tank was deemed stable. Recovery of the missing workers continued for five days, concluding on Saturday, June 1.

Victims

The Cowlitz County Coroner’s Office identified all 11 deceased individuals:

The recovery of the nine missing workers and the identification of all 11 victims were confirmed by officials on June 1.

Response and Recovery

Approximately 40 firefighters, paramedics, and a regional hazmat team responded to the scene. The Longview Fire Department led the recovery operation. Longview Fire Chief Brad Hannig described the recovery as "physically laborious and methodical" due to heavy debris and the hazardous environment. Responders prioritized safety while treating victims with "the greatest dignity, care, and respect."

Each recovered victim underwent decontamination before being transferred to the Cowlitz County Coroner’s Office. The firefighter injured in the response was treated and released.

Environmental Impact

The spill of white liquor entered a drainage ditch, and contamination was confirmed in the Columbia River via pH testing. The Washington State Department of Ecology and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency monitored air and water quality. Officials reported no identified impacts to the air or to the drinking water supply for Longview residents. Contaminated water was diverted away from the wellhead.

As part of the environmental response, crews diluted contaminated water by adding water from the Cowlitz River and fire hydrants. The Washington Department of Ecology reported dead fish and other small wildlife in local waterways, and a hotline was established for reports.

Investigation

"Multiple state and federal agencies have opened investigations into the cause of the tank failure."

Agencies involved include:

• U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB)
• Washington Department of Labor & Industries
• Washington Department of Ecology

As of June 1, authorities had not released details on the cause of the collapse.

The facility, which employs approximately 1,000 people and produces materials for tissues, printing paper, cups, plates, and cartons, has had three health and safety violations in the past five years. Two open inspections at the facility, from March and May, were reported by officials to be unrelated to this incident. The total death toll of 11 makes this the deadliest industrial disaster in modern Washington State history.