Several people suffer burn, inhalation injuries when tank implodes at Washington pulp and paper mill

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.