A chemical tank implosion at a Washington state paper mill Tuesday left an undisclosed number of people dead and others critically injured, authorities said, as emergency crews responded to what officials described as a “mass casualty scene.”
The implosion comes as a separate chemical emergency continues in Southern California, where thousands of residents remain evacuated after a damaged tank at an aerospace facility raised fears of a potential explosion.
What to Know About the Implosion
The incident occurred around 7:19 a.m. at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co. facility in Longview, where a tank containing hazardous liquid ruptured, causing fatalities and “multiple critical injuries,” according to a joint statement from the company and local law enforcement.
Fire officials said victims suffered chemical burns and inhalation injuries and were decontaminated at the scene before being transported to hospitals in Longview and nearby Vancouver.
About 40 firefighters and paramedics, along with a regional hazmat team, responded as crews worked to stabilize the site.
In a joint statement shared with Newsweek, officials said there was no immediate danger to the surrounding community and urged the public to avoid the area while emergency operations continue.
What to Know About Nippon Dynawave Packaging Company
The facility employs roughly 1,000 workers and produces materials used in paper and packaging products.
Longview, a city of about 38,000 people in Cowlitz County, is roughly 50 miles north of Portland, Oregon, along the Columbia River. The area is home to multiple pulp and paper facilities, which are subject to oversight by state environmental regulators.
This is a breaking news article. Updates to follow.