Multiple people have been killed and several more are missing after a chemical vat imploded at a paper mill in Washington state.
Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co. in Longview confirmed that several workers died when the toxic tank burst at 7.15am Tuesday.
Mike Gorsuch, battalion chief with the local fire department, described the developing horror as a ‘mass casualty scene.’
Several more people have also been rushed to hospital with horrific injuries, including burns and inhalation damage.
Cowlitz Fire and Rescue Chief Scott Goldstein told a news conference that it was unclear how many employees had been killed.
Asked how many remained missing, he replied: ‘We have information on that, but we’re not releasing that information.’
Several distressed relatives waited at the company’s visitor entrance later on Tuesday, seeking information about loved ones who worked at the facility.
Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co. facility is a pulp and paper mill and liquid packaging plant that makes material for tissues, printing paper, cups, plates, cartons and other goods.
Multiple people have been killed and several more are missing after a chemical vat imploded at a paper mill in Washington state. The exterior of the Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co. is shown
Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co. in Longview confirmed that some employees had died when the toxic tank burst at 7.15am Tuesday
Located in Longview just north of the Oregon border, it employs about 1,000 people, according to the Washington State Department of Ecology.
The tank that imploded contained a chemical brew known as ‘white liquor,’ a corrosive substance that consists mainly of sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide.
The substance is used to break down wood to make kraft paper, a durable paper used in packaging, shopping bags and other products.
Mike Gorsuch, battalion chief with the fire department in Longview, Washington, said first responders had decontaminated patients.
They were rushed to hospitals in Longview and Vancouver, Washington.
About 40 firefighters and paramedics had responded, along with a regional hazmat team, Gorsuch said.
The cause of the explosion is unclear. Video from the scene show ominous white clouds billowing in all directions from the facility, which is not visible within the smog.
This is a breaking news story with updates to follow.
