Longview, May 28: A tragic incident at a paper mill in Longview, Texas, has resulted in two confirmed deaths, with nine individuals still unaccounted for. The accident involved a chemical tank containing a hazardous substance known as “white liquor,” used in the paper and pulp manufacturing process. This tank had a capacity of approximately 900,000 gallons.
The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board announced on Wednesday that it has initiated an investigation into the incident, with investigators expected to arrive at the scene shortly.
Local fire officials reported that a significant amount of the dangerous chemical has leaked from the tank. They emphasized that rescue and recovery efforts will proceed slowly and cautiously due to the tank’s compromised and unstable structure, which poses ongoing risks of exposure to toxic substances.
Authorities stated that if any bodies are recovered, they will undergo thorough decontamination before being sent to the coroner’s office for identification and notification of next of kin.
The local administration has assured that the incident has not affected the air quality or drinking water safety in Longview. However, some chemicals have reached the Columbia River, and investigations are ongoing.
Washington State Governor Bob Ferguson remarked on Wednesday that officials are preparing for the possibility that this incident could become the largest industrial disaster in modern Washington state history.
The tank explosion occurred at a factory operated by Nippon Dynawave Packaging Company, a subsidiary of Japan’s Nippon Paper Group. A company representative stated that their focus is currently on assisting rescue teams, searching for the missing, and providing support to affected families and employees. The cause of the incident remains under investigation.
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