The deadly explosion at the Nippon Dynawave plant in Washington has sparked grief and financial worry, affecting families and workers as the investigation continues.
SEATTLE — A Washington state lawmaker says families and workers affected by the pandemic Fatal explosion at Japan’s Dynawave paper mill They are facing grief, uncertainty and long-term economic worries as the investigation into the cause of the industrial accident continues.
“It could be absolutely anyone in my family that I know and love,” said Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez. “Probably my husband.”
Gluesenkamp Perez said the implosion shook not just the victims’ families but the broader industry and natural resource communities associated with the paper industry.
“Whether we realize it or not, we are all interconnected in the natural resource economics and trade community,” said Grusenkamp-Perez. “My heart breaks for these families.”
Gluesenkamp Perez said the impact is already being felt throughout the community as families deal with immediate needs and concerns about lost wages and possible layoffs.
Many workers at nearby factories know each other and rely on each other for support, she said.
“Everyone in this factory is like taking care of each other’s kids and fixing each other’s cars,” Gluesenkamp Perez said. “When we lose this plant, we will lose a serious anchor of economic strength, and if we lose this plant, I will work to prevent that from happening.”
Gluesenkamp Perez said the plant has strong ties to the regional economy. The plant provides 550 direct jobs, while its steam plant powers a further 500 jobs at neighboring plants. Contractors, truck operators and small plants also depend on the plant’s operations.
Gluesenkamp Perez also expressed concerns about the long-term future of Washington state’s lumber and paper industry, saying the state’s remaining mills play an important role in supporting wildfire thinning projects and the wood products market.
She said federal funding for Chemical Safety Board investigations was increased during the fiscal 2026 budget process after the Trump administration proposed eliminating the funding.
A letter was sent to the Washington Department of Labor and Industries requesting records related to factory inspections and complaints.
Grusenkamp-Perez said investigators must determine what caused the tank failure and find ways to improve worker protection and staffing levels at industrial facilities.
“What caused the failure of this tank?” Grusenkamp Perez said. “How can we be sure these jobs are safe?”
