Longview Paper Mill Chemical Tank Rupture Kills Multiple Workers

LONGVIEW, Wash. — Multiple people died and at least 10 others suffered injuries Tuesday morning after a storage tank containing a caustic paper-making chemical ruptured at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging mill in Longview, prompting a mass-casualty response and ongoing recovery operation.

Emergency crews responded at approximately 7:15 a.m. May 26 to the facility at 3401 Industrial Way after a tank containing “white liquor” failed inside the mill. Officials confirmed the fatalities during a Tuesday morning news conference but have not released the number of victims while families are being notified.

Mass-Casualty Response

Mike Gorsuch, battalion chief with the Longview Fire Department, said first responders immediately launched a large-scale rescue and hazardous materials response.

Crews from Longview Fire Department, Cowlitz Fire & Rescue, regional hazardous materials teams and industrial response partners responded to the scene. Emergency personnel decontaminated victims before transporting them to hospitals throughout the region.

There were multiple critical injuries and patients were transported to hospitals in the Longview area and beyond.

— Mike Gorsuch, Battalion Chief, Longview Fire Department

Officials said at least 10 people required medical treatment following the incident. Among those injured were nine mill employees who suffered severe chemical burns and inhalation injuries. Medical teams transported several patients to specialized treatment centers, including the Legacy Oregon Burn Center and PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center.

One firefighter also suffered injuries while responding to the emergency. Officials said the firefighter received treatment at a hospital and was later released.

Multiple Fatalities Confirmed

Cowlitz Fire & Rescue Chief Scott Goldstein confirmed multiple fatalities during the briefing but said authorities will not release additional information until they notify families. Officials also acknowledged that some workers remained unaccounted for Tuesday afternoon as recovery operations continued.

We are not prepared to give information on names until families have been notified.

— Scott Goldstein, Chief, Cowlitz Fire & Rescue

Authorities have not released the identities of those killed or injured.

What Is White Liquor?

The ruptured tank contained white liquor, a highly alkaline chemical solution used in the paper manufacturing process to break down wood fibers. According to emergency officials, white liquor consists primarily of sodium hydroxide, sodium sulfide and sodium carbonate. Exposure can cause severe chemical burns and respiratory injuries.

Goldstein said the storage tank held approximately 80,000 gallons and was about 60% full when it failed Tuesday morning. Investigators have not determined what caused the rupture.

No Threat to the Community

Officials said air monitoring and on-scene assessments have not identified any immediate threat to surrounding neighborhoods or community air quality.

The incident is stable.

— Mike Gorsuch, Battalion Chief, Longview Fire Department

Crews continue evaluating both chemical hazards and structural concerns at the facility. Authorities established a security perimeter around the mill and asked the public to avoid the Industrial Way area while recovery and investigation efforts continue.

Investigation Underway

Emergency managers said the response has shifted into the recovery phase, but personnel will likely remain on scene through the night. A unified command involving Longview Fire Department, Cowlitz Fire & Rescue, hazardous materials teams, union representatives and Nippon Dynawave Packaging continues coordinating operations.

Family support efforts are being coordinated through union officials and company representatives. Officials said they plan to provide another public update at approximately 7 p.m. Tuesday.

The cause of the tank rupture remains under investigation.