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Chemical Tank Explodes, Killing 11 Workers
31 May
Summary
- Eleven workers perished in an implosion during a shift change.
- A chemical tank holding white liquor failed, causing the disaster.
- A seventh body was recovered Saturday, with two still missing.
Governor Bob Ferguson has ordered all flags to be flown at half-staff this Sunday, June 7, 2026, to honor the eleven individuals who lost their lives in the implosion at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging plant in Longview. The catastrophic event took place on Tuesday, May 28, 2026, during a shift change.
The plant remains a hazardous site for first responders. By Saturday morning, May 31, 2026, a seventh victim's body had been recovered, with two workers still unaccounted for. Investigators are diligently working to identify the cause behind the failure of a chemical tank that contained 900,000 gallons of white liquor.
White liquor, a crucial component in the paper-making process, is an extremely hazardous chemical. Agencies statewide are present at the site, contributing to the recovery mission and monitoring potential environmental impacts. Officials have assured the public that drinking water remains safe, and recreational activities along the Columbia River are unrestricted.
