Several killed, workers suffer chemical burns after massive Washington chemical plant explosion
WASHINGTON: Several people were killed, and multiple others suffered severe chemical burns after a massive implosion rocked a paper mill in Washington state on Tuesday, May 26, officials said.
The explosion occurred at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging Company facility in Longview, about 50 miles north of Portland, Oregon, triggering a large-scale emergency response and sending thick smoke and debris into the air. Authorities confirmed fatalities linked to the incident and said some workers remained unaccounted for hours later.
Multiple people have died following a major chemical explosion at a paper mill in Washington state.
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The identities of those killed won’t be released until their families have been notified, officials said.
This is the second major chemical disaster in the U.S. in the past week. pic.twitter.com/QE2hBy8thT
Massive blast at paper mill
The implosion occurred around 7.18 am when an 80,000-gallon industrial vat that was about 60% full ruptured at the plant, according to officials. The container reportedly held “white liquor,” a hazardous chemical mixture containing sodium hydroxide, sodium sulfide, and disodium carbonate.
Emergency crews said multiple workers suffered chemical burns and other injuries in the blast.
“Multiple people suffered chemical burns and other injuries and were transported by ambulance to PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center in Longview and PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center in Vancouver. The extent of the injuries is not fully known at this time,” the Longview Fire Department wrote on Facebook.
Officials later confirmed there were at least 10 injuries, including one firefighter hurt during the response operation.
Authorities also said there were “fatalities related to the incident,” but did not disclose the number of deaths pending notification of family members. Some individuals were still missing as rescue efforts continued.
Emergency response underway
The explosion prompted a massive emergency response involving five fire engines, seven ambulances, and hazardous materials teams. Residents were initially urged to avoid the area while crews worked to secure the scene and contain chemical risks.
Officials said there was no immediate danger to the wider public despite concerns over the chemicals released during the implosion.
The Nippon Dynawave Packaging facility employs about 550 workers and produces approximately 280,000 tons of bleached liquid packaging paperboard and pulp products annually, according to the Washington State Department of Ecology.
Firefighters respond to CHEMICAL EXPLOSION at Nippon Dynawave Packaging Company in Longview, Washington
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Multiple people are suffering from CHEMICAL BURNS from a ‘vat of chemical treatment product’
Footage shows firefighters battled ANOTHER fire at the property in August 2025 pic.twitter.com/NZmN95mFdD
The company states that its products are used to create nearly 8 billion single-serve containers each year.
The Washington facility had previously dealt with a major industrial incident after a multi-day fire broke out at the same paper mill in 2023, according to KCBY.
The latest implosion also comes as officials in California continue responding to an ongoing chemical tank emergency in Orange County involving methyl methacrylate. The crisis prompted evacuation orders and a state of emergency declaration from California Gov. Gavin Newsom.
President Donald Trump also approved a federal emergency declaration tied to the California chemical incident, unlocking assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
