Aug. 28, 2026:
LONGVIEW, Wash. (AP) — An inspection contractor found a chemical tank at a Washington state paper mill was unfit for service 10 months before its fatal failure in May 2026. The U.S. Chemical Safety Board released an investigation update Friday (Aug. 28, 2026) on the tank failure at the mill in Longview that killed 11 workers and injured several others. It was one of the deadliest U.S. workplace disasters in recent decades. The Chemical Safety Board found that Nippon Dynawave Packing Company continued to operate the tank without making repairs despite three inspections from an outside contractor that recommended them. The federal agency said it’s still determining what caused the failure. A company spokesperson says it won’t comment on findings or documents at this time because the investigation is ongoing.
May 27, 2026:
LONGVIEW, Wash. (AP) — Authorities say there’s no hope of finding more survivors at a Washington paper mill where nine missing workers remain missing after a tank imploded and released a highly destructive chemical mixture. Authorities have confirmed that at least one person was killed in Tuesday’s implosion at Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co. in Longview. Crews hope to resume searching Wednesday but must stabilize the tank before any of the bodies can be recovered. Officials say it is at risk of collapsing further and leaking more of the caustic liquid. The cause of the implosion remains unknown. Authorities says there’s no threat to the public.
May 26, 2026:
LONGVIEW, Wash. (AP) — Authorities say several people suffered chemical burns and inhalation injuries (May 26, 2026) when a tank containing hazardous liquid imploded at a pulp and paper mill in southwestern Washington state. It was not immediately clear how many people had been injured. Mike Gorsuch, battalion chief with the fire department in Longview, Washington, said first responders had decontaminated patients and taken them to nearby hospitals. The Nippon Dynawave facility is a pulp and paper mill and liquid packaging plant that makes material for tissues, printing paper, cups, plates, cartons and other goods. It employs about 1,000 people, according to the Washington State Department of Ecology. Authorities said there was no immediate threat to the public.
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