Multiple injuries, deaths after 'major chemical implosion' at Longview paper mill

LONGVIEW, Wash. — Multiple people were hurt and killed after a "major chemical explosion" at a plant in Longview, according to the city's fire department.

The Longview Fire Department (LFD) said crews are responding to a hazardous materials incident after an implosion involving a vat of white liquor chemical treatment product at the Nippon Dynawave facility at 7:18 a.m. Tuesday.

Officials say there is no immediate threat to the public, but residents were told to stay away from Industrial Way and the surrounding area while emergency crews work.

According to the Washington State Department of Ecology, Nippon Dynawave is a Kraft pulp and paper mill and liquid packaging plant.

White liquor, the source of the implosion, 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.

Multiple people have critical chemical burns and other injuries, LFD said on its Facebook page. Ambulances transported them to PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center in Longview and PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center in Vancouver.

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

Officials say 10 people, including one firefighter, were injured and transferred to PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center in Longview and PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center in Vancouver. The injuries ranged from critical to minor.

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. The injured firefighter was treated and released.

Fire officials also confirmed that there were still individuals who remain unaccounted for. It is unclear how many.

Just before 1 p.m., Governor Bob Ferguson issued this statement:

"I just met with leaders at key state agencies tracking the latest on the Longview explosion. Ecology and L&I have teams on the scene. Washington State Emergency Management is in constant communication with local responders. I directed our National Guard teams on alert. We’ll be sharing updates as the situation develops. My prayers are with the families of those lost in this tragedy."

Along with the LFD, Cowlitz County firefighters, deputies, and a hazmat team continue to work on the scene.

This story is developing.