Deadly chemical implosion at Nippon facility in Longview, Wash.

LONGVIEW, Wash. (KATU) — Fatalities have now been confirmed following a “major” chemical implosion at the Nippon facility in Longview, Wash., onTuesday morning.

First responders were initially called out to the scene at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging Facility just before 7:20 a.m.

The Nippon facility is located in the 3400 block of Industrial Way (Highway 432). Residents have been asked to avoid the area.

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A vat of “white liquor” at the facility imploded, according to Longview Fire Officials. Multiple people suffered chemical burns and other injuries in the implosion.

White liquor is a strong alkaline liquid made mostly of sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide. In the Kraft process, it is used to cook wood chips and turn them into pulp for papermaking by dissolving the substances that hold the wood fibers together. It is considered extremely dangerous and is highly corrosive.

In an update just after 11 a.m., Longview Fire officials confirmed fatalities from this incident.

The injured were taken to PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center in Longview and PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center in Vancouver. The extent and number of injuries and fatalities has not been released.

A spokesperson for PeaceHealth later issued a statement, saying it had received nine patients from the incident. Of those patients, PeaceHealth said one died, two were transferred, and six are in fair condition. PeaceHealth said it does not expect any additional patients.

In a post from Cowlitz County News, photos show the aftermath of the implosion at the location.

The cause of the implosion has not yet been determined.

“Fire crews and a Hazardous Materials Team remain on scene working with Nippon Dynawave employees to mitigate the product and container involved,” Longview Fire wrote in an update on social media.

Officials say there is no threat to the city or the surrounding area. A KATU News crew is on the way to Longview to learn more.

On Tuesday, July 18, 2023, a massive fire broke out at the same location. Piles of wood ended up burning for days.

This is a developing story. Check back with KATU for more information.