The Kabul Tribune (KT) — At least one person has died and nine others remain missing after a chemical tank ruptured at a paper and packaging facility in Washington, CNN reported, citing local authorities.
The incident occurred around 7:30 a.m. local time at the
Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co. plant in Longview, following the rupture of a
tank containing “white liquor,” a hazardous chemical mixture used in paper
production, according to the Longview Fire Department.
Officials said nine people were injured, including eight
employees and one firefighter, who has since been treated and released.
Emergency responders confirmed at least one fatality, while search efforts
continue for the missing workers.
Fire officials initially reported that the tank had
imploded. Later updates indicated the vessel contained approximately 900,000
gallons of chemical material, far exceeding earlier estimates. Authorities
believe about 90,000 gallons may still remain inside the damaged tank.
Scott Goldstein said recovery and stabilization operations
remain “extremely complex” due to ongoing safety hazards at the site. The tank
is considered unstable, creating dangerous conditions for emergency crews.
Officials emphasized there is no immediate threat to the surrounding
community, though residents have been advised to avoid the area as a
precaution.
Recovery operations have been temporarily delayed due to
structural risks at the facility. Authorities said efforts are expected to
resume once conditions are deemed safe.
The Washington State Department of Ecology has deployed a
spills response team to monitor air and water quality. Officials said no
significant public health risks have been detected outside the immediate site.
Bob Ferguson said state agencies are coordinating closely
with local responders and have mobilized additional resources, including the
National Guard’s civil support team.
The incident is the latest in a series of industrial
accidents reported across the United States in recent months, some of which
have resulted in fatalities and widespread evacuations.
Investigations into the cause of the rupture are ongoing.
