Longview: At least one person was killed and nine others remained missing after a tank ruptured at a Nippon Dynawave Packaging plant in Longview, Washington.

According to Anadolu Agency, the incident involved a tank containing white liquor, a chemical mixture used in the paper-pulping process.

Officials reported that nine individuals were injured, including a firefighter. Some victims sustained burns or inhalation injuries, with conditions ranging from minor to critical. The Longview Fire Department indicated that the collapsed tank remained unstable and still contained liquid, presenting hazardous conditions for emergency crews. Due to these safety concerns, search and recovery operations were paused overnight and were anticipated to resume Wednesday.

Patients affected by the explosion were transported to hospitals in Longview and Vancouver. PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center reported receiving nine patients, including one fatality and six others in fair condition. The injured firefighter received treatment and was subsequently released.

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson expressed his condolences to the victims, their families, and first responders. He mentioned that responders from the state Ecology Department had been dispatched to the scene. While officials stated there was no immediate threat to the surrounding community, they advised people to avoid the area.

The chemical mixture, white liquor, used in papermaking, comprises chemicals such as sodium hydroxide, sodium sulfide, and disodium carbonate. Initially, officials underestimated the tank's size but later clarified that it held approximately 900,000 gallons of the mixture.

Nippon Dynawave Packaging, a subsidiary of the Japan-based Nippon Paper Group, operates the Longview facility. The plant produces packaging board and pulp products used in various items, including milk cartons, food containers, tissues, printing paper, cups, and plates. Employing about 1,000 people, the plant is situated in an industrial area shared by other timber, paper, and chemical businesses.

State records reveal that the company has been fined for three health and safety violations since 2021. Additionally, two more safety complaints were filed earlier this year, but state officials noted that these were not related to the ruptured tank.