Photo: Tetra images RF
A chemical vat implosion at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging facility in Longview, Washington, resulted in multiple injuries and fatalities on Tuesday morning (May 26). Emergency crews responded around 7:30 a.m. after a tank containing "white liquor," a chemical used in pulp production, ruptured at the plant located at 3401 Industrial Way, according to the Longview Fire Department.
Officials from the Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office confirmed that there were fatalities, though they did not specify the number. Several people suffered chemical burns and other injuries and were transported to local hospitals. Responders have locked down the immediate industrial area, instructing residents and the public to stay away from Industrial Way as rescue and containment efforts continue. Authorities stated that there is no immediate threat to the surrounding community, but they emphasized that the area should be avoided for safety.
The Nippon Dynawave Packaging plant produces paper products such as printing paper, tissue, and specialized paperboard for liquid containers. The facility is a subsidiary of the Japan-based Nippon Paper Group and has recently been in the news due to its attempt to adopt new energy-efficient technology. A proposed federal grant to help the plant implement novel filtration systems was canceled earlier this month, with the company appealing the decision.
The cause of the vat implosion remains under investigation. Officials are expected to release more information as it becomes available. For now, the focus remains on managing the scene and caring for those affected by the incident.