Longview, Washington chemical tank rupture at Nippon Dynawave paper mill kills 2, leaves 9 missing

A large industrial tank at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging paper mill in Longview, Washington ruptured on the morning of May 26, 2026. The 900,000‑gallon vessel contained "white liquor", a highly caustic alkaline solution used in pulp production. The rupture released tens of thousands of gallons, some of which entered the Columbia River, though officials said there is no immediate threat to drinking water or air quality.

Authorities have confirmed two deaths – one employee and a second person who succumbed to injuries after hospitalization – and nine workers remain missing and are presumed dead. Ten people were taken to hospitals, including seven injured employees and one firefighter; several injuries are reported as severe chemical burns.

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson called the incident “the deadliest industrial tragedy in modern Washington state history” and activated the National Guard to assist recovery efforts. The incident has been classified as a hazardous‑materials emergency, with the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board, the EPA, and state ecological agencies launching investigations. Recovery operations are proceeding slowly and methodically due to the tank’s instability, and remaining chemical volume is now estimated at roughly 25,000 gallons.

The plant, which employs about 1,000 workers and produces paper products such as tissue, printing paper, cups, plates and cartons, is a subsidiary of Japan’s Nippon Paper Group. Community officials have urged residents to avoid the riverbank and drainage ditches while water testing continues.