Crews have recovered six bodies from a Longview paper mill following a serious chemical tank rupture earlier this week. The death toll now stands at eight, with three more people missing and presumed dead. Longview Fire Chief Brad Hannig described the scene as “an active and hazardous environment.”
This incident, involving a caustic liquid that spilled into local waterways, marks Washington state’s deadliest workplace tragedy in nearly a century. The last major disaster occurred in 1930 when a coal mine explosion killed 17 people.
The situation remains dire. Firefighters have little hope of finding more survivors. Among the confirmed deceased is 52-year-old Gilbert Bernal, an instrument technician who had juggled night classes, full-time work, and parenting. His daughter, Geo, shared how much he meant to their family, emphasizing the tragedy of losing him while he was working hard for them.
Recovery efforts are complicated by the precarious state of the ruptured tank, which continues to leak. The tank’s location, amid pipelines and wires, further complicates the situation. Washington state Senator Jeff Wilson pointed out how difficult it is to use drones for aerial assessments due to safety concerns.
Despite the severity, officials believe the chemical release has mostly been contained to the industrial area, with no immediate risk to local residents. The Washington Department of Ecology currently monitors the air quality and drinking water.
However, tens of thousands of gallons of “white liquor,” a chemical used in paper production, have entered the storm drain system leading to the Columbia River. Local officials are taking precautions, urging residents to avoid dikes and ditches as tests and monitoring continue.
For context, Washington’s last large-scale workplace disaster was in 2010 at a refinery, where seven people lost their lives. Longview, a close-knit community where many workers have personal ties to the mill, is grappling with the emotional impact of this tragedy. Fire Battalion Chief Matt Amos acknowledged the difficulty of the situation, expressing gratitude for the support shown by the community.
Currently, operations at the mill are suspended. Nippon Dynawave is ensuring that employees who cannot work continue to receive their pay. The company has been a key employer in Longview since buying the plant in 2016. With a population of around 115,000 in the Longview-Kelso area, the mill employs about 1,000 workers, making its future uncertain.
Concerns have been raised regarding job security in the area. U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez emphasized the need for improved safety measures to restore public trust.
This recent incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers in industrial jobs and the impact on local communities.
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Southwest Washington | Public Safety
