Governor Bob Ferguson has described the local paper mill tragedy in Longview, Washington as the deadliest industrial tragedy in the state’s modern history. As many as 11 people may have died and many more injured as a result of a tank explosion damaging much of a plant that released toxic fluid called white liquor, a caustic mixture used to turn wood chips into paper pulp.
“It is imperative that a company provide a safe workplace,” said Robert A. Clifford, founder and senior partner of Clifford Law Offices in Chicago who represented several people years ago in the Tacoma, Washington rail crash that led to $57 million in verdicts and settlements on behalf of people who were injured and killed. “Providing a safe work environment includes ensuring that all machinery is working properly, is tested regularly, and all safety precautions are constantly in check. Although authorities still are investigating what happened in Longview, the families who have been impacted by this tragedy and the community deserve answers as soon as possible.”
Washington state authorities said they transitioned from a rescue to recovery operation at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging Company facility where officials say a tank with dangerous chemicals used in papermaking ruptured on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 as workers were in a nearby break room and administrative office area. Eight people have been confirmed to have been killed while crews continue to search for three more missing people.
It is also reported that some of the spilled material contaminated the Columbia River through a nearby storm drain system as well as nearby ditches and dikes. Longview, a tight knit community of about 38,000, is 45 miles north of Portland, Oregon, and about 120 miles south of Seattle.
It is reported that the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board has opened an investigation into the incident “to determine how it happened and what can be done to prevent something like this from happening again.” The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries also said it is investigating the incident. The plant remains closed at this time.
For further information, please contact Clifford Law Offices Communications Partner, Pamela Sakowicz Menaker at 847-721-0909 (Cell). Pammenaker@cliffordlaw.com