Chemical explosion at US paper mill in Washington kills 1, 9 Missing
At least one person has been killed and nine others remain missing after a massive chemical explosion at a paper mill in Longview, Washington in the United States. Several others, including workers and a firefighter, were also injured in the incident.
The explosion occurred around 07:15 local time at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging facility, located about 130 miles south of Seattle. Authorities confirmed that the blast was caused by the rupture of a large storage tank containing “white liquor,” a highly corrosive chemical used in the paper manufacturing process.
Emergency officials said recovery operations remain extremely challenging due to ongoing safety risks at the site. The damaged chemical tank is still considered unstable, and responders are working to reinforce the structure before continuing full-scale recovery efforts.
Initial estimates suggested the tank contained around 80,000 gallons of chemical liquid, but officials later revised the figure to approximately 900,000 gallons, with a portion of the substance still inside the damaged structure.
Fire officials reported that at least nine workers were injured, along with one firefighter. The injuries range from minor to critical, including burns and inhalation-related complications.
Authorities have urged the public to avoid the area as emergency operations continue, though officials have confirmed there is no wider threat to surrounding communities at this stage.
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson expressed condolences, saying he was deeply saddened by the loss of life and extended support to the victims and first responders involved in the rescue and containment operations.
The facility, which produces paper-based consumer goods, reportedly employs around 1,000 people and has previously experienced a major fire incident in 2023. Investigations into the exact cause of the explosion are ongoing.
