health

6 of 9 bodies recovered after chemical tank implosion at Washington state paper mill

Updated on: May 28, 2026 / 8:05 PM EDT / CBS News

6 of 9 bodies recovered after chemical tank implosion at Washington state paper mill

TL;DR

  • Six bodies recovered from a chemical tank implosion at Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co. in Longview, Washington.
  • The incident brings the total death toll to 11, with three workers still missing.
  • The tank ruptured while holding "white liquor," a chemical used in paper processing.
  • Environmental efforts include diluting and flushing contaminated ditches and the Columbia River.
  • Authorities have stated that the city's drinking water and the Columbia River remain safe.
  • The mill has been shut down, with arrangements made to pay non-working employees.