Two people are dead and nine others remain missing, presumed dead, after a holding tank containing chemicals imploded at a paper mill in Longview, Washington. The Longview fire department confirmed Wednesday that one hospitalised victim has since died, raising the toll from Tuesday morning's disaster at Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co.
Governor Bob Ferguson described the incident as potentially the deadliest in state history, according to a statement. The tank rupture released hazardous materials, prompting an ongoing emergency response and investigation into the cause of the failure at the industrial facility.
State and local authorities have not yet specified which chemicals were involved or provided a timeline for the investigation. The company has declined to comment on the incident, referring questions to emergency officials.
Residents near the mill have been advised to shelter in place while air quality monitoring continues. Community leaders have called for a full accounting of safety protocols at the plant, which has operated in Cowlitz County for decades.
Critics argue that the company's silence and the slow release of information from officials have undermined public trust. Some workers at the facility have alleged that safety concerns were previously raised but went unaddressed.