Longview chemical tank rupture sparks feared deadliest WA industrial disaster
At Nippon Dynawave Packaging’s Longview mill a ruptured 900,000-gallon tank of caustic white liquor released chemicals into the plant and reached the Columbia River; two people are confirmed dead and nine are presumed dead as investigators probe the cause, with the CSB opening an inquiry and recovery efforts continuing slowly due to hazards. Authorities say air and drinking water are not affected, and the mill—about 1,000 workers—remains a key local employer; the incident is being described as possibly the deadliest industrial disaster in modern Washington history.