6 of 9 bodies recovered after chemical tank implosion at paper mill 29.05.2026

Six of the nine missing workers have been recovered following a chemical tank implosion at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co. facility in Longview, Washington, on Tuesday. The incident, which occurred during a shift change, also resulted in two previously confirmed fatalities, bringing the total death toll to 11. The recovered bodies were found in a worker gathering area. Recovery efforts are complex due to industrial hazards and decontamination protocols. The ruptured tank contained white liquor, approximately two-thirds full with an estimated 25,000 gallons remaining. While some white liquor leaked into ditches near drinking water sources and the Columbia River, authorities state the city's water is safe and the river is safe for recreational activities, though dead fish have been found in the ditches. The mill is shut down, and the company is compensating idled employees.













