Victims Recovered in Washington State Paper Mill Explosion

All missing victims from the recent explosion at a paper mill in Washington state have been recovered. Officials announced this update on Saturday.

Longview Fire Chief Brad Hannig confirmed the recovery of the ninth and final missing employee. This concluded the search following Tuesday’s chemical tank implosion and rupture at the Nippon Dynawave plant in Longview. The incident resulted in 11 deaths, as two victims transported to hospitals later died.

The deceased are identified as Gilberto Bernal, 52; Tyler Covington, 29; Brad Covington, 27; Robert Wilson, 48; Dale Miller, 54; Jared Ammons, 35; Braydon Finkas, 38; Clinton Duran, 26; John Forsberg, 51; Norman Barlow, 58; and Dillon Miller. The community held a vigil to honor the victims.

The incident involved a tank designed to hold 900,000 gallons of white liquor, a hazardous chemical mixture containing sodium hydroxide, sodium sulfide, and disodium carbonate, used in paper-pulping. The implosion occurred at 7:15 a.m. during a shift change.

Kurt Stitch, deputy chief with Cowlitz 2 Fire and Rescue, described the recovery as methodical and challenging. The operation included moving heavy debris and using drones to cover all areas thoroughly.

Officials have been working on reducing high-pH levels in ditches contaminated by spilled chemicals. Improvement in the pH levels has been noted. The ditches are located above an aquifer and well field that supplies Longview’s drinking water. However, officials assured the community that contaminated water was diverted from the wellhead area, keeping the water supply safe.

The investigation into the cause of the chemical tank implosion is still ongoing.