OAN Staff Jenna Lee
5:35 PM – Tuesday, May 26, 2026
The Longview Fire Department confirmed Tuesday afternoon that multiple people were injured and killed following a chemical implosion at a local manufacturing plant.
Emergency crews rushed to the Nippon Dynawave Packaging facility just before 7:20 a.m. local time after an 80,000-gallon storage tank containing what was described as “white liquor” imploded.
Multiple people suffered severe chemical burns and inhalation injuries. While officials confirmed that there were fatalities at the scene, they have not yet released the total death count.
“My team and I are tracking developments in Longview closely after a major chemical explosion. Responders from our state Department of Ecology have been deployed to the scene. I’m deeply saddened to hear that there have been fatalities. My thoughts are with the workers and their families, and with the first responders,” said Washington Governor Bob Ferguson (D-Wash.) in a statement.
White liquor — a highly alkaline liquid composed mostly of sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide — is an extremely dangerous, corrosive substance used in the paper-making process to break down wood chips into pulp.
Ten people, including 9 plant employees and one responding firefighter, sustained injuries ranging from “minor to critical,” officials say. They were transported to PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center in Longview and PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center in Vancouver.
A spokesperson for PeaceHealth later confirmed that out of the 9 facility patients they received, one had succumbed to their injuries, two were transferred for specialized care, and six remained in “fair condition.”
Additionally, an injured firefighter has since been released.
“There are also individuals who remain unaccounted for as crews continue the accountability and recovery operations,” said Mike Gorsuch, battalion chief for the City of Longview Fire Department during a Tuesday afternoon news conference.
Although authorities emphasize there is no immediate chemical threat to the surrounding community, residents have been instructed to stay away from Industrial Way and the immediate area.
U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.), also expressed her condolences and praised the front-line workers in a statement Tuesday afternoon.
“Today’s implosion was an absolute tragedy. My heart is with everyone who lost a loved one today—as well as the injured workers. I also want to acknowledge the heroism of the first responders and health care workers who are currently on the frontlines of this disaster. This is a developing situation that I am monitoring closely. In the days and weeks to come as Longview recovers from this disaster, I will be there every step of the way to support this community however I can,” said Murray.
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