Multiple fatalities reported after chemical tank rupture in Washington state

Incident at Nippon Dynawave Packaging Facility Results in Multiple Injuries

A chemical tank has imploded at a facility in Longview, Washington, resulting in multiple injuries and fatalities. Emergency responders were on the scene Tuesday, where they confirmed that officials had found “fatalities related to the incident” along with “multiple critical injuries”. The exact number of deaths is currently unknown.

According to authorities, a 80,000-gallon tank containing white liquor, a chemical solution of sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide used in paper pulp production, ruptured at approximately 7:15am local time. At least nine workers and one firefighter were transported to nearby hospitals with injuries related to the incident.

PeaceHealth St John Medical Center reported that it had received nine patients, including one who had died, with six in fair condition and two transferred to other facilities. The Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Department and Nippon Dynawave Packaging facility issued a joint statement confirming the incident but did not provide further details.

The implosion posed no immediate threat to the surrounding community, according to authorities. A separate industrial tank containing methyl methacrylate in southern California was being monitored due to concerns over its flammability. However, officials stated that the worst-case possibility of an explosion had been ruled out after a crack relieved some of the mounting pressure.

The incident is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as necessary.

Source: Al Jazeera