Washington paper-mill chemical tank bursts; crews race to account for workers
A chemical tank at Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co.’s pulp and paper mill in Longview, Wash., ruptured and imploded, killing at least one person and leaving nine workers missing. Eight workers and one firefighter were injured, with several treated for burns or inhalation. The 80,000‑ to 900,000‑gallon tank was reported as initially 60% full, later estimated to hold about 900,000 gallons, with roughly 90,000 gallons possibly remaining and the tank still unstable. Authorities said there is no imminent threat to the public, but recovery is hampered by hazardous conditions as emergency crews, including hazmat teams, work to stabilize the site. The facility employs about 1,000 people; investigations into the cause are ongoing.