Nine missing after Washington paper mill tank rupture, no hope of survivors

A catastrophic tank rupture at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co. paper mill in Longview, Washington, on May 26, 2026, has led to a presumed death toll of 11 individuals. Two fatalities have been confirmed, while nine workers remain unaccounted for, with authorities indicating there is no hope of finding survivors. Eight other people, including a firefighter, also sustained injuries in the incident.

The implosion released "white liquor," a highly corrosive chemical crucial for paper manufacturing. Recovery efforts were initially challenged by the unstable tank structure and hazardous conditions, but crews have since resumed searching for the missing individuals. The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board is investigating the cause of the disaster, and the facility had previously faced safety and environmental citations. Some chemical contamination reached the Columbia River, prompting warnings for residents to avoid ditches and dikes, although local air and drinking water were deemed safe.