Home / Disasters and Accidents / Paper Mill Disaster: 6 More Bodies Found
Paper Mill Disaster: 6 More Bodies Found
29 May
Summary
- Six more bodies recovered from chemical tank implosion site.
- Total death toll rises to 11 at Washington paper mill.
- Chemical spill poses environmental concerns, water tested.
Six more bodies were recovered on Thursday from the site of a chemical tank implosion at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co. facility in Longview, Washington. This discovery tragically increases the total death toll to 11 workers. The incident occurred during a shift change at the pulp and paper mill.
Recovery operations are challenging due to complex industrial hazards, including exposed wiring and collapsed structures, requiring specialized decontamination processes for responders. The tank contained "white liquor," a chemical used in paper processing. A leak from the tank has entered nearby ditches and, in limited volume, the Columbia River.
Environmental officials stated that while hydrogen sulfide was a concern, it has not been detected in the air. Local authorities have assured the public that the city's drinking water, drawn from a deep aquifer, remains safe. A plan is underway to flush and dilute the chemical in the ditches before it reaches the Columbia River.
Nippon Dynawave has shut down mill operations, with only critical infrastructure running. The company has committed to paying employees who are unable to work. Concerns about hazardous industry conditions were addressed by a company representative who emphasized the company's commitment to safety.
