Several Missing After Chemical Tank Explosion at Washington Paper Plant
The incident occurred after a storage tank ruptured at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging plant, releasing a substance identified as white liquor, a chemical solution used in the pulp and paper production process. The blast also left at least nine people injured, including a firefighter, with injuries ranging from minor to severe, including burns and inhalation-related harm.
Emergency officials reported that the damaged tank remained unstable and still contained liquid, creating hazardous conditions for rescue teams. As a result, search and recovery operations were temporarily suspended overnight, with plans to resume later.
Hospitals in Longview and Vancouver received the injured. PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center confirmed it treated nine patients, noting that one had died while six others were in fair condition. The injured firefighter was treated and released.
State officials, including Washington Governor Bob Ferguson, expressed condolences to those affected and their families. He confirmed that environmental response teams had been deployed to assist at the site. Authorities also stated there was no immediate threat to nearby communities, though residents were urged to avoid the area as a precaution.
White liquor, used in papermaking, contains chemicals such as sodium hydroxide, sodium sulfide, and sodium carbonate. Officials initially underestimated the tank’s capacity before later confirming it held approximately 900,000 gallons.
The facility is operated by Nippon Dynawave Packaging, a subsidiary of Japan-based Nippon Paper Group. The plant produces pulp and packaging materials used in products like cartons, cups, tissues, and plates, and employs around 1,000 workers in an industrial zone shared with other timber and chemical operations.
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