A chemical storage tank at a factory in Washington state leaked and imploded, resulting in 10 people injured and confirmed deaths, though the exact number of fatalities is not yet known.
Foreign news agencies reported on 26 May 2026 that authorities in Washington state, in the western United States, are urgently investigating and controlling the situation after a chemical storage tank imploded early Tuesday morning at a packaging factory, causing deaths with the exact number still uncertain and 10 injured.
The Longview Fire Department stated in a press release that a hazardous chemical spill occurred at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging factory after a tank containing "white liquor," a chemical solution used in the paper industry, ruptured.
According to state information, this factory produces pulp and kraft paper and also has facilities for manufacturing liquid packaging, employing approximately 1,000 workers.
During a Tuesday afternoon press briefing, Fire Chief Scott Goldstein revealed that the 80,000-gallon tank storing highly corrosive white liquor was about 60 percent full when it ruptured.
Fire officials reported that nine employees and one firefighter were hospitalized with critical severe injuries, some suffering chemical burns.
In a joint statement from the fire department, Nippon Dynawave Packaging, and local authorities, it was confirmed that there were fatalities from the incident, but the exact number remains unknown.
"The site remains under rescue and recovery operations, with emergency responders working continuously. Personal information of the injured or deceased will not be released until families have been notified," officials said.
Michael Gorsach, head of the Longview Fire Department unit, told KGW 8 television earlier that some individuals are still missing and cannot be contacted.
The fire department also stated that there is currently no immediate public threat but urged people to avoid the area as authorities work closely with Nippon staff to "control and manage the chemicals and related containers."
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Source:The Guardian