Longview Mill: Catastrophe Sparks Investigation
A chemical tank rupture at a Longview, Washington, paper mill killed at least nine people, prompting an investigation into the cause.
Lauren Collins ·
Longview Mill Disaster Investigation Underway
An investigation is underway into the chemical tank rupture at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co. mill in Longview, Washington, which occurred on Tuesday, May 27, 2026, resulting in at least nine fatalities. The incident involved the implosion of a large tank containing "white liquor," a highly corrosive chemical used in the kraft pulping process, leading to a spill of hundreds of thousands of gallons and contamination of the Columbia River.
The U.S. Chemical Safety Board initiated its on-site investigation on Wednesday, May 28, 2026.
Company and government officials have stated that determining the exact cause will require a comprehensive analysis, with no immediate timeline for conclusions. Experts suggest the incident likely stemmed from a combination of factors related to the tank's integrity, chemical properties, and potential ventilation issues, compounded by the timing of a shift change that increased worker presence near the tank.
The disaster represents Washington state's deadliest workplace incident in nearly a century. While recovery efforts continue, some victims' families have begun questioning the mill's safety protocols.
Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co. has affirmed its cooperation with investigating agencies.
The mill, which has operated for over 70 years, utilizes a process common in the 128 paper mills currently active in the United States, with reported "white liquor" spills being rare, totaling eight incidents nationwide over the past decade prior to this event.