Search crews will renew efforts Wednesday (May 27) to find nine people still missing after a deadly chemical tank rupture at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co. facility in Longview, Washington. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday morning (May 26), resulted in at least one fatality and nine injuries. The rupture involved a 900,000-gallon tank containing a hazardous chemical mixture known as “white liquor.”
The tank still contains about 90,000 gallons of the caustic liquid, posing ongoing risks. Cowlitz Fire and Rescue Chief Scott Goldstein stated that the situation is being treated as a recovery effort, with operations resuming in daylight due to safety concerns.
The ruptured tank, used in the kraft papermaking process, released the chemical into a drainage ditch, prompting environmental assessments by the Washington State Department of Ecology. Emergency responders, including a regional hazmat team, are working to stabilize the site before continuing search efforts.
KGW News reported that the deceased has been identified as Gilbert Bernal, an electrician at the plant. The incident has drawn condolences from officials, including Governor Bob Ferguson, who assured support for the affected families and first responders.
The cause of the tank rupture remains under investigation, with safety violations at the facility previously noted by the Washington Department of Labor and Industries. As the community grapples with the tragedy, a vigil was held Tuesday night to support those impacted.
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