6 Bodies Recovered After Deadly Chemical Tank Rupture in Washington

Six of the nine missing workers have been recovered after a chemical tank ruptured at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging mill in Longview, Washington, on Tuesday. The incident has left at least 11 people dead, making it the deadliest workplace disaster in Washington in nearly a century. The tank, which held 900,000 gallons of "white liquor"—a highly caustic solution used in pulp processing—imploded during a shift change, flooding the area with hazardous chemicals. The rupture also released an estimated 570,000 gallons of the chemical into the environment, with some leaking into the Columbia River. Recovery efforts remain ongoing, with three bodies still missing. Authorities have described the site as an "active and hazardous recovery environment," requiring decontamination of all recovered individuals before transport. The incident has prompted investigations by multiple state and federal agencies, including the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board. Environmental concerns persist, as the spill has contaminated local waterways, though officials have assured that Longview’s drinking water remains safe. The disaster has also sparked community vigils and fundraising efforts for the victims' families.