Longview fire officials said recovery operations were initially delayed “due to safety concerns of the structural integrity of the damaged tank.”
LONGVIEW, Wash. — A second person has died after a large tank containing corrosive white liquor imploded Tuesday at the Nippon Dynawave paper mill in Longview.
The Longview Fire Department confirmed the second person died from injuries suffered in the incident after being transported to a hospital.
Officials said recovery operations will begin Wednesday after being delayed because of concerns about the structural integrity of the damaged tank.
As of Wednesday afternoon, nine people remained missing. Eight others — seven employees and one firefighter — are being treated for injuries.
The tank, which housed 900,000 gallons of white liquor, a highly corrosive material used to break down wood chips into pulp, still contains about 90,000 gallons of the chemical, according to officials.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Washington state Department of Ecology continue to monitor air and water quality at the site, with mitigation efforts underway. Officials said there are currently no negative impacts to air quality or the city’s water supply.
On Wednesday, the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board said it would begin an investigation into the implosion.
Residents are urged to stay away from ditches and dikes near Washington Way and Prudential Boulevard because of possible water contamination from the white liquor, officials said.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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