Nippon Dynawave Tank Implosion Kills 11

A catastrophic chemical tank implosion occurred at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging Company pulp and paper mill in United States — Longview, Washington (state), resulting in 11 confirmed deaths and multiple injuries, including one firefighter. The tank, initially believed to hold 80,000 gallons but later revised to 900,000 gallons, contained 'white liquor' (sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide), which spilled into a drainage ditch and contaminated the Columbia River. Emergency responders, including the International — Fire department and United States — Cowlitz County Sheriff s Department, led recovery efforts amidst hazardous conditions, with the tank remaining unstable. The United States — Washington State Department of Ecology is assessing environmental impacts, and the United States — U.S. Chemical Safety Board has launched an investigation. United States — Washington (state) Governor Bob Ferguson and U.S. Senator Patty Murray expressed condolences and called for answers. Nippon Paper Industries, the parent company, offered sympathies. The incident has drawn attention to workplace safety, especially given Nippon Dynawave Packaging Company's previous safety violations.