Deadly Tank Implosion at Washington Paper Mill Kills 11
"This is potentially the deadliest industrial tragedy in modern Washington State history."
— Washington Governor Bob Ferguson
On May 26, 2024, a chemical tank containing "white liquor" imploded at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co. pulp and paper mill in Longview, Washington. The incident resulted in the deaths of 11 workers and multiple injuries, making it one of the deadliest industrial accidents in Washington State history.
Incident Details
The implosion occurred at approximately 7:15 a.m. local time during a shift change. The tank, designed to hold up to 900,000 gallons, was reported to be approximately two-thirds full at the time of failure. It contained white liquor, a corrosive chemical mixture primarily composed of sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide used in the kraft paper manufacturing process.
Following the implosion, the chemical spilled into a drainage ditch. Official estimates of the remaining material in the damaged tank varied during the response, with reports ranging from 90,000 gallons to 25,000 gallons.
Casualties
All missing workers were recovered over the course of five days. The final body was recovered on June 1, 2024. The Cowlitz County Coroner's Office identified all victims and conducted autopsies on June 1 and June 2.
Victims Identified
Name Age Hometown Gilbert Bernal 52 Kelso, Washington Tyler Covington 29 Castle Rock, Washington Brad Covington 27 Castle Rock, Washington Robert Wilson 48 Clatskanie, Oregon Dale Miller 54 Portland, Oregon Jared Ammons 35 Longview, Washington Braydon Finkas 38 Cathlamet, Washington Clinton Doran 26 Kelso, Washington John Forsberg 51 Longview, Washington Norman Barlow 58 — Dillon Miller — —Causes of Death
All deaths were ruled accidental. The Cowlitz County Coroner's Office determined the following causes for ten of the eleven victims:
- Eight victims died from alkaline chemical burns.
- One victim (Robert Wilson) died from alkaline chemical burns and blunt force injuries.
- One victim (Braydon Finkas) died from alkaline chemical burns and asphyxia due to aspiration of a foreign object.
- One victim (Dillon Miller), transported to a hospital in Portland, died from sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide burns under the jurisdiction of the Multnomah County Medical Examiner.
Injuries
Ten people were confirmed injured in the initial response, including nine Nippon employees and one firefighter. Two of the injured employees later died at the hospital. The injured firefighter was treated and released. The conditions of the remaining hospitalized employees have not been disclosed.
Response and Recovery
Approximately 40 firefighters, paramedics, and a regional hazmat team responded to the incident. The operation transitioned from rescue to recovery on Wednesday, May 29, after officials determined the tank remained unstable and that no survivors were expected among the missing.
"Recovery efforts prioritized responder safety and treating victims with dignity."
— Longview Fire Battalion Chief Matt Amos
Recovery efforts were described by officials as slow, methodical, and physically laborious due to heavy debris and hazardous conditions. Each recovered victim was decontaminated before transfer to the Cowlitz County Coroner's Office for identification and family notification.
Environmental Impact
The Washington State Department of Ecology and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency conducted air and water quality monitoring. Testing confirmed contamination in the Columbia River via pH testing. Officials reported dead fish and other small wildlife in local waterways.
Contaminated water in ditches was diluted by adding water from the Cowlitz River and fire hydrants to a level deemed safe for discharge into the Columbia River.
Longview city officials stated that drinking water remained safe, as contaminated water was diverted away from the wellhead. No impacts to air quality or public health outside the immediate scene have been reported.
Investigations
Multiple agencies are investigating the cause of the tank implosion, including:
- The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB)
- The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries
- The Washington Department of Ecology
The cause of the implosion has not been determined. Washington State Department of Labor and Industries indicated results of its workplace safety investigation are expected in approximately six months.
Prior Facility Record
Nippon Dynawave had two open inspections unrelated to the incident: one from March regarding a valve on an aqua ammonia clarifier tank, and one from May regarding a sinkhole from a failed drain. The facility received three health and safety violations in the prior five years, unrelated to chemical process or storage safety, resulting in fines totaling $3,400.
Context
The Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co. facility employs approximately 1,000 people and produces materials for tissues, printing paper, cups, plates, cartons, and other goods.
Official Statements
- Longview Fire Chief Brad Hannig stated that the recovery effort reached its final milestone on the fifth day and confirmed the recovery of all missing employees.
- Cowlitz 2 Fire and Rescue Chief Scott Goldstein stated that recovery efforts began after safety officials determined conditions were stable.
- Governor Bob Ferguson described the incident as potentially the deadliest industrial tragedy in modern Washington State history and stated state officials would provide support as long as necessary.
- Public Works Director Chris Collins assured residents that Longview's drinking water remained safe.