health
Tank-rupture tragedy may be deadliest in Washington history, governor says
Two people dead and another nine missing and presumed dead after paper mill tank holding chemicals imploded
TL;DR
- Two people have died, and nine are missing and presumed dead after a chemical tank at a Washington paper mill ruptured.
- The incident occurred at Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co. and involved the release of "white liquor," a highly destructive chemical mixture.
- Recovery efforts have begun, with authorities transitioning from rescue to recovery due to safety concerns and the lack of hope for survivors.
- The US Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board is investigating the fatal implosion.
- Dead carp were found in the river, and contamination entered the river, but there are no issues with air quality or drinking water in Longview.
- The mill has a history of safety complaints and fines, though the current incident is not directly linked to previous violations.
- Washington governor Bob Ferguson stated that this could be the deadliest industrial tragedy in modern Washington state history.