Longview, WA – Emergency crews continue recovery and stabilization operations following a major industrial incident Tuesday morning at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging facility in Longview that left one person dead, multiple workers injured, and several employees still unaccounted for.
According to a joint update released Tuesday afternoon by the Longview Fire Department, Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue, and local officials, the incident involved the rupture of a large tank containing white liquor at the facility located at 3401 Industrial Way.
Officials initially believed the tank held approximately 80,000 gallons of material, but updated estimates now place the amount closer to 900,000 gallons. Authorities said roughly 90,000 gallons may still remain inside the damaged tank, which continues to present hazardous conditions for emergency personnel.
Recovery operations have been slowed due to concerns the unstable tank could further collapse. Crews are working to reinforce and stabilize the structure before additional search and recovery efforts can safely continue.
Emergency responders confirmed that 10 individuals were transported to area hospitals, including eight employees and one firefighter who suffered injuries. Officials also confirmed one fatality connected to the incident.
Authorities said nine employees remain unaccounted for as recovery operations continue. Officials stated all identified families have been notified.
Local, regional, and state agencies remain on scene coordinating response efforts alongside facility personnel. Officials stressed there is currently no direct threat to the surrounding Longview community despite ongoing hazards within the facility itself.
Recovery operations are expected to resume Wednesday after overnight monitoring of the site.
