On May 26, a chemical tank at a paper mill imploded, killing several employees. Here’s what you need to know about fatal industrial accidents:
Longview, Washington—A Fatal tank implosion A May 26 explosion at a paper mill plunged the Longview community into mourning as crews continued to work to recover all the victims.
The industrial accident occurred around 7:15 a.m. Tuesday during a shift change at the Japan Dynawave plant, said Cowlitz Fire Rescue Fire Chief Scott Goldstein. The implosion damaged administrative offices, break rooms and operational areas within the facility.
Nine people have been confirmed dead and two are missing.
Here’s what we know so far about the industrial accident, its victims and the ongoing investigation.
rupture summary
Officials initially believed the tank contained about 900,000 gallons of white liquor, a highly corrosive substance used in the papermaking process, but later revised that estimate to about 600,000 gallons. Authorities also reduced the estimated remaining volume in the tank from 90,000 gallons to about 25,000 gallons.
Longview Fire Chief Brad Hannig said he met with the family earlier in the day to provide an update on recovery efforts, emphasizing the scale of the damage and the community’s continued support.
“I want to acknowledge the tremendous impact this incident has had and will continue to have on the victim’s family, co-workers, rescue workers and the community at large. I would also like to thank you for the outpouring of support we have received from the community as we continue to process this incident,” Hannig said.
Who are the victims?
Family members are working to identify some of the employees who died Tuesday. Tank implodes.
KING 5 has identified five victims: Jared AmmonsGilbert Bernal, Brayden Finkas, John Forsberg and Dale Miller.
Click here to read About every known victim.
What impact does it have on the environment?
Brooks Stanfield, federal field coordinator for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, said multiple agencies are working together on the ground as recovery efforts continue in the most affected areas.
“As firefighters carry out their operations, we have been working hard to take every step to ensure public health and the environment are protected throughout the process,” Stanfield said.
Stanfield said the EPA is also committed to protecting public health through ongoing air monitoring, and so far no harmful gases have been detected. Monitoring will continue until officials are confident there is no ongoing release risk from the facility, he said.
Water conditions in community ditch systems are improving as flushing operations continue, but some remote areas still require targeted work.
“We’ve started to see significant improvements in pH in the trenches, trench systems, particularly in the trenches directly above the well fields, which is a priority area for us,” Stanfield said.
There are currently no fish warnings or recreational restrictions in the Columbia River, said Courtney Selard, field coordinator for the Washington Department of Ecology.
Longview Public Works Director Chris Collins said the city’s drinking water remains safe and the water system does not pose a risk to public health.
He also urged the public to stay away from ditch areas and to keep pets and animals away from water sources due to elevated pH levels. Lake Sacagawea will gradually reduce its water volume over the coming week to support ongoing flushing efforts, he said.
How does the community come together?
Shamrock Bar and Grill, a local business in Longview, will host a fundraiser on Sunday, June 7th.
Clover donates 20% Total sales to victims’ families.
“I can’t bring them back, but I can give them something,” said co-owner Lindsay Maida-Rodman. “When something happens, Longview and Kelso come together to do what needs to be done to take care of ourselves…At Shamrock, we treat our customers like our family.”
All dine-in and bar patrons must be 21 years or older; to-go orders are open to all ages. The fundraiser will be held from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
