Full Breakdown
Chemical Tank Implosion at Nippon Dynawave Plant Claims 11 Lives in Longview, Washington
6/1/2026, 4:17:27 AM
Explosion and Recovery Timeline
On May 26, 2026, at 7:15 a.m., a pressurized tank at Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co. in Longview, Washington, ruptured, releasing white liquor—a caustic blend of sodium hydroxide, sodium sulfide and disodium carbonate used in paper-pulping. The blast killed two workers and left nine missing. Search teams entered the site on May 27, recovered six bodies by May 28, identified all nine missing workers on May 30, and retrieved the final two victims on May 31, confirming eleven deaths.
Fatalities and Injuries
The Cowlitz County Coroner’s Office identified the deceased as Gilberto Bernal (52), Tyler Covington (29), Brad Covington (27), Robert Wilson (48), Dale Miller (54), Jared Ammons (35), Braydon Finkas (38), Clinton Doran (26), John Forsberg (51), Norman Barlow (58) and Dillon Miller (age not released). Eight additional employees suffered injuries, primarily chemical burns and inhalation damage.
Environmental Response
The tank held between 500,000 and 600,000 gallons of white liquor. Contaminated runoff entered ditches above the aquifer supplying Longview’s drinking water. EPA on-scene coordinator Brooks Stanfield said pH levels in the ditches have improved after dilution, and officials affirmed water remains safe. Monitoring showed no measurable impact on the Columbia River, though the public was urged to avoid storm-drain waterways.
Official Statements
Longview Fire Department Chief Brad Hannig called the recovery “methodical and incredibly difficult.” EPA coordinator Brooks Stanfield noted progress in reducing ditch pH. Cowlitz County Coroner Dana Tucker confirmed identification of the victims. Nippon Paper Group expressed “deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families” and pledged cooperation with investigators.
Safety History and Community Impact
Nippon Dynawave employs roughly 1,000 workers and has a record of safety violations and prior fires. As a major employer in a region reliant on paper and timber, the disaster raises concerns about local jobs and economic stability.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the tank’s capacity—some cite 900,000 gallons, others 600,000 gallons. Initial reports listed nine missing workers; the count changed as bodies were recovered. The precise cause of the rupture remains under investigation, and no definitive findings have been released.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Today, on day five of this incident, I can share that we have recovered the ninth and final missing employee of this incident,” — Brad Hannig, Longview Fire Chief
- “It’s been methodical, and incredibly difficult for everyone that’s been involved.” — Kurt Stitch, Deputy Chief, Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue
- “deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families.” — Nippon Paper Group spokesperson
Future Actions
Federal and state investigators will continue probing the tank failure while EPA and local water agencies maintain water-quality testing. The plant’s future operations remain uncertain, and community leaders are monitoring economic repercussions for Longview’s workforce.
