LONGVIEW, Wash. (KATU) — Fatalities have been confirmed following a “major” chemical implosion at the Nippon facility in Longview, Wash., on Tuesday morning.
First responders were initially called out to the scene at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging Facility just before 7:20 a.m.
The Nippon facility is located in the 3400 block of Industrial Way (Highway 432). Residents have been asked to avoid the area.
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A vat of “white liquor” at the facility imploded, according to Longview Fire Officials. Multiple people suffered chemical burns and other injuries in the implosion.
White liquor is a strong alkaline liquid made mostly of sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide. In the Kraft process, it is used to cook wood chips and turn them into pulp for papermaking by dissolving the substances that hold the wood fibers together. It is considered extremely dangerous and is highly corrosive.
The white liquor tank was 60% full at the time of the implosion, fire officials said. The cause has not yet been determined.
In an update just after 11 a.m., Longview Fire officials confirmed fatalities from this incident.
Officials say 10 people, including one firefighter, were injured and transferred to PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center in Longview and PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center in Vancouver. The injuries ranged from critical to minor.
A spokesperson for PeaceHealth later issued a statement, saying it had received nine patients from the incident. Of those patients, PeaceHealth said one died, two were transferred, and six are in fair condition. PeaceHealth said it does not expect any additional patients. The injured firefighter was treated and released.
No IDs will be released until families are notified.
Fire officials confirm that there were still individuals who remain unaccounted for. It is unclear how many.
Legacy Health in Oregon confirmed it had received some patients from this incident. A spokesperson issued the following statement:
“Legacy Health shares the community’s concern for everyone affected by the chemical explosion in Longview. Legacy is currently caring for patients related to this incident, including at the Legacy Oregon Burn Center, and remains prepared to provide additional care as needed. To protect patient privacy, Legacy Health cannot provide additional information about individual patients. For additional information regarding the incident and emergency response, please contact the Longview Fire Department.”
In a post from Cowlitz County News, photos show the aftermath of the implosion at the location.
Officials say there is no threat to the city or the surrounding area. Incident operations remain ongoing and may last through the night and into overnight hours.
Officials said they expect to provide another update at 7 p.m.
Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson issued the following statement about this incident:
“My team and I are tracking developments in Longview closely after a major chemical explosion. Responders from our state Department of Ecology have been deployed to the scene. I’m deeply saddened to hear that there have been fatalities. My thoughts are with the workers and their families, and with the first responders.”
US Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., issued the following statement about this incident:
“Today’s implosion was an absolute tragedy. My heart is with everyone who lost a loved one today—as well as the injured workers. I also want to acknowledge the heroism of the first responders and health care workers who are currently on the frontlines of this disaster. This is a developing situation that I am monitoring closely. In the days and weeks to come as Longview recovers from this disaster, I will be there every step of the way to support this community however I can.”
On Tuesday, July 18, 2023, a massive fire broke out at the same location. Piles of wood ended up burning for days.
This is a developing story. Check back with KATU for more information.
