health

At least 1 dead, 9 workers missing after chemical tank implosion at Washington state paper mill

Updated on: May 26, 2026 / 10:46 PM EDT / CBS/AP

At least 1 dead, 9 workers missing after chemical tank implosion at Washington state paper mill

TL;DR

  • One person confirmed dead, nine workers unaccounted for following a chemical tank implosion.
  • Eight employees and one firefighter were injured, with injuries ranging from minor to critical.
  • The incident occurred at Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co. facility in Longview, Washington.
  • The tank contained white liquor, a chemical used in paper and pulp processing.
  • The tank's unstable condition created hazardous conditions for emergency responders.
  • Families of the nine missing employees have been notified.
  • Four injured individuals were transferred to a burn center in Portland, Oregon.
  • The cause of the implosion is currently unknown.