Chemical Tank Implosion at Washington State Pulp Mill Leaves at Least 10 Injured; Death Toll Unclear

A chemical storage tank at a pulp mill in Washington state imploded and ruptured on the 26th. Authorities confirmed that at least 10 people were injured, including a firefighter who responded to the scene. Officials have not yet disclosed how many people died or remain missing at the plant.

According to reports from the Associated Press and Reuters, Nippon Dynawave Packaging, the Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office, and the Longview Fire Department issued a joint statement confirming that rescue crews are still working at the scene in Longview and that there have been fatalities.

Longview is located approximately 45 miles north of Portland, Oregon.

Scott Goldstein, chief of Cowlitz Fire District 2, stated at a press conference that it is currently impossible to confirm how many plant workers have died. When asked how many people were missing, he replied, "We have that information, but we are not releasing it at this time." He noted that the 80,000-gallon tank was approximately 60% full.

Authorities stated that some victims suffered burns or inhalation injuries, adding that the incident poses no immediate threat to the general public.

Officials issued the statement more than four hours after the implosion occurred at 7:15 a.m. local time, emphasizing that they would not release the identities of the deceased until their families had been notified.

Some people gathered at the company's visitor entrance, hoping to hear news about friends and family working in the plant, but they declined to comment to the AP. According to the Washington State Department of Ecology, the plant has approximately 1,000 employees.

The ruptured tank contained a chemical solvent known as "white liquor," composed of sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide. It is corrosive and used to break down wood to produce kraft paper.

Mike Gorsuch, a battalion chief with the local fire department, described the scene as a "mass casualty incident." He noted that first responders had completed decontamination of the injured, who were transported to hospitals in Longview and Vancouver, Washington. He added that approximately 40 firefighters and emergency personnel, along with a regional hazardous materials team, were involved in the rescue efforts.