The Cowlitz County Coroner's Office and Multnomah County Medical Examiner have released autopsy results confirming that all 11 victims of the May 26 chemical tank rupture at Nippon Dynawave Packaging in Longview, Washington, died from alkaline chemical burns. The incident occurred when a 900,000-gallon tank containing white liquor—a mixture of sodium hydroxide, sodium sulfide, and disodium carbonate—catastrophically failed, causing a blast that damaged much of the facility.
Core Findings
The coroners determined that eight of the victims died solely from alkaline chemical burns: Jared Ammons, 35; Norman Barlow, 58; Gilberto Bernal, 52; Bradley Covington, 27; Tyler Covington, 29; Clinton Doran, 26; John Forsberg, 51; and Dale Miller, 54. Robert Wilson, 48, died from alkaline burns and blunt force injuries, while Braydon Finkas, 38, succumbed to burns and asphyxia due to aspiration of a foreign object. Dillon Miller, 27, was transported to a Portland hospital but died from sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide burns, consistent with the other victims. All deaths were ruled accidental.
Context and Response
The tank, approximately two-thirds full at the time of failure, contained white liquor, a chemical used to break down wood into paper pulp. The blast injured multiple employees, and the facility sustained significant damage. Authorities have not yet released details on the cause of the tank's failure or potential safety violations. The incident remains under investigation.
Victim Identities and Impact
The victims ranged in age from 26 to 58, and their families have been notified. Cowlitz County Coroner Dana Tucker described the tragedy as one of the most significant in the region's history. The mill has temporarily halted operations pending further investigation.