A chemical tank linked to a Washington paper mill ruptured on Tuesday, killing several workers and leaving others hospitalized.
According to a statement from Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co., the rupture “resulted in multiple critical injuries. Patients were transported to area hospitals in Longview and Vancouver for treatment. Officials can also confirm fatalities related to the incident. The scene remains in the recovery phase as emergency responders continue operations. No identifying information regarding injured or deceased individuals will be released at this time pending notification of family members.”
Fox News reports that nine people were injured in the incident, including one firefighter.
The chemical tank contained a chemical mixture called “white liquor,” which is a corrosive chemical used in the paper-making process.
Governor Bob Ferguson (D-WA) said on Tuesday afternoon that he was on his way to “meet with local responders and officials. Continued prayers for those impacted by this tragedy.”
At the time of writing, the cause of the rupture remains unknown.
The chemical rupture comes as California similarly wrestles with chemical concerns. Tens of thousands of Orange County residents were evacuated over the weekend as a pressurized tank at a GKN Aerospace Transparency Systems facility overheated and released vapors. If interior temperatures rise, the pressure inside the tank will also increase.
California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) announced that he secured an emergency declaration from the Trump administration. “California has just received a Presidential Emergency Declaration for the hazardous materials incident in Garden Grove,” he wrote on social media this week. “Working in collaboration with local response teams, the state has acted with determination to protect residents in the affected area.”
