11 feared dead in Washington state chemical vat rupture, operation moves to recovery effort
A chemical vat rupture at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging facility in Longview, Washington, has led to a transition from rescue to recovery efforts, with 11 people feared dead. The incident, which occurred on May 26, has resulted in at least eight injuries, some of which are critical. Authorities are investigating the cause of the rupture and assessing environmental impacts, as contamination has entered the Columbia River.
- ▪The chemical tank held a solution used in making paper pulp that can cause severe burns.
- ▪Officials have confirmed two fatalities and are searching for nine missing individuals.
- ▪Testing has confirmed contamination in the Columbia River, but there are currently no negative health impacts reported.
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11 feared dead in Washington state chemical vat rupture, operation moves to recovery effortSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxA drone view of a chemical tank after its rupture at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging pulp and paper mill in Longview, Washington, US, on May 26.PHOTO: REUTERSPublished May 28, 2026, 07:20 AMUpdated May 28, 2026, 07:20 AMWASHINGTON – The search for nine people missing after a chemical tank imploded and ruptured a day earlier in Washington state has moved from a rescue to a recovery effort, the authorities said on May 27, likely bringing the total death toll to 11.Officials had previously confirmed two fatalities.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Straits Times — World.