Chemical Tank Explosion at Washington State Paper Mill Leaves 1 Dead, 9 Injured

According to CNA, a chemical storage tank exploded at a paper mill in Washington State, USA, leaving one person dead and nine injured. Reuters reported that Nippon Dynawave Packaging and the Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office issued a joint statement stating the accident occurred around 7:15 AM local time. The tank contained 'white liquor,' a chemical solution of sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide used in papermaking. Authorities initially estimated the tank held 80,000 gallons, but later corrected that the total capacity was nearly 900,000 gallons, with about 90,000 gallons remaining in the damaged tank. The site is in Longview, Washington. Police stated that the damaged tank structure remains unstable, and search operations would resume the following day. The injured include eight plant employees and one firefighter; some are in serious condition, but the firefighter has been discharged. Officials reiterated that the explosion poses no immediate threat to the surrounding community. The exact cause remains unclear, and investigations are ongoing. Nippon Paper Industries acquired the mill from Weyerhaeuser in 2016.