11 dead after chemical tank explosion at Washington state pulp mill

According to the Central News Agency, a chemical storage tank at a pulp mill in Longview, Washington, suffered an internal explosion. Authorities announced on the 30th that rescue workers have recovered the bodies of all 9 missing individuals, bringing the death toll to 11. The tank contained approximately 900,000 gallons of "white liquor," a chemical solvent used in pulp production consisting of sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide. Local fire and rescue teams conducted a multi-day search, utilizing drones to scan the site. Officials stated that while contaminants have entered the nearby Columbia River, no negative health impacts on air quality or Longview's drinking water have been detected so far.