Cause of death released for 11 victims in Washington chemical tank rupture
Summary
Eleven workers died from chemical burns after a large chemical tank broke at a paper mill in Longview, Washington, on May 26, 2026. Officials ruled all deaths accidental and investigations are ongoing to find the cause and improve safety.Key Facts
- The incident happened at Nippon Dynawave Packaging, about 50 miles from Portland, Oregon.
- The tank contained white liquor, a chemical used in making paper pulp.
- White liquor is made of sodium hydroxide, sodium sulfide, and disodium carbonate.
- The tank held 900,000 gallons and was about two-thirds full when it ruptured.
- All victims died mainly from alkaline chemical burns caused by the chemicals.
- One victim also had blunt force injuries; another died from chemical burns and asphyxia.
- State and federal agencies are investigating the accident, with safety checks expected to take about six months.
- Officials called the tragedy one of the worst the community has seen since 1980’s Mount St. Helens eruption.
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