The most horrifying part wasn’t just the sudden collapse — it was the release of hundreds of thousands of gallons of highly corrosive “white liquor” that turned a normal workday into one of America’s deadliest industrial disasters in decades.

Catastrophic Implosion at Nippon Dynawave

On the morning of May 26, 2026, a giant chemical storage tank at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging pulp and paper mill in Longview, Washington, suddenly imploded and ruptured. The tank, with a capacity of around 900,000 gallons (3.4 million liters), was about 60% full of “white liquor” — a highly corrosive mixture of sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide used in the kraft pulping process.

The violent failure sent a massive wave of the dangerous chemical spilling across the facility, creating immediate life-threatening hazards from chemical burns and toxic fumes.

Grim Update on May 28

As of May 28, authorities confirmed two deaths, with nine workers still missing and presumed dead, bringing the expected final death toll to 11. Eight other people were injured, including one firefighter. Rescue teams have shifted from search-and-rescue to recovery operations, as there is no longer any hope of finding survivors.

The search has been extremely difficult and dangerous. Teams had to temporarily pause operations due to fears of further structural collapse, but resumed once engineers determined the remaining tank structure was stable enough. The work continues slowly and methodically under hazardous conditions, with support from the National Guard.

Environmental Concerns

A significant amount of the chemical spilled into a drainage ditch and reached the nearby Columbia River, where dead fish have been reported. However, officials say there is currently no detectable impact on the river’s overall water quality, and air and drinking water in the Longview community remain safe. Residents have been warned to stay away from drainage areas.

One of the Deadliest Industrial Accidents in Years

If the death toll reaches 11, this incident will rank among the worst workplace disasters in the United States in recent decades. Longview is a city of about 40,000 people with a deep history in the paper and timber industries. The mill employs around 1,000 workers.

The cause of the tank’s sudden implosion is still under investigation. Officials are examining possible issues with pressure relief systems or structural integrity.

This tragedy has sent shockwaves through the community. As recovery efforts continue and investigations proceed, the focus remains on supporting the families of the victims during this devastating time.