One Killed, Nine Missing After Chemical Tank Implodes At Paper Mill In Washington

Last Updated:May 27, 2026, 08:25 IST

At least one worker was killed, and nine others were missing after a massive chemical tank imploded on Tuesday at a paper mill in Washington

At least one worker was killed, and nine others were missing after a massive chemical tank carrying nearly a million gallons of a corrosive liquid imploded on Tuesday at a paper mill in Washington, U.S., authorities said.

Nine others were wounded in the spill, with some said to have sustained critical injuries, the Associated Press reported, adding that emergency forces were still carrying out rescue and recovery operations at Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co. in Longview.

According to the Longview Fire Department, some liquid remained in the collapsed tank, making it difficult for responders to reach victims, the report said.

“The tank remains unstable, creating hazardous conditions for emergency personnel," the fire department said in a statement.

However, they added, responders are continuing efforts to “structurally reinforce and stabilize the site" before additional recovery operations can kick in, Associated Press reported.

No Threat To Public

Authorities said a responding firefighter sustained injuries in incident. Some victims suffered burn injuries, with the severity of injuries ranging from minor to critical.

There was no immediate threat to the public or the residents living nearby, they said, as quoted by Associated Press. 

Meanwhile, the cause of the implosion was yet to be determined, said the report.

Operating along the Columbia River in Longview, the Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co. facility is a pulp and paper mill and liquid packaging plant, which manufactures material for printing paper, tissue paper, cups, plates, and other good.

News world One Killed, Nine Missing After Chemical Tank Implodes At Paper Mill In Washington

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