【United State】Washington State Paper Mill Chemical Leak: 6 More Bodies Found, Death Toll Rises to 8

A chemical leak at a paper mill in Longview, Washington, has resulted in a rising death toll, with six additional bodies recovered, bringing the total to eight fatalities. Three workers remain missing. The incident, which occurred during a shift change on May 27, 2026, involved the collapse of a 340,000-liter tank containing white liquor, a highly alkaline solution used in pulp production. Overseas buyers of paper products and industrial chemicals should monitor this event for potential supply disruptions and safety implications.

Incident details

The accident happened early on May 27 during a shift change at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging mill, a subsidiary of Japan's Nippon Paper Group. A large tank containing approximately 340,000 liters of white liquor—a mixture of sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide—collapsed, releasing the caustic solution. White liquor is essential for breaking down wood chips into pulp for papermaking.

Casualties and search efforts

Local fire authorities confirmed on May 29 that six additional bodies were recovered, raising the death toll to eight. Three workers are still missing. Longview Fire Chief Brad Hannig stated in a press conference, "We continue recovery operations in a hazardous environment and are working with the coroner to notify families."

Environmental and safety assessment

Authorities have assured the public that Longview's tap water remains safe for drinking. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officials reported that no hydrogen compounds or hazardous substances have been detected in the air or water. The site remains dangerous, and recovery efforts are ongoing under strict safety protocols.

Supply-chain impact

The Nippon Dynawave Packaging mill produces approximately 8 billion disposable containers annually, supplying markets across North America and Asia. The incident may disrupt production and delivery schedules for paper-based packaging materials. Importers and distributors should prepare for potential delays and price fluctuations in the short term.

What buyers should watch

Overseas buyers of paper packaging and related chemicals should monitor updates from Nippon Dynawave Packaging and local authorities regarding plant reopening timelines. Any prolonged shutdown could tighten supply in the global disposable container market. Additionally, companies sourcing sodium hydroxide or sodium sulfide for industrial use should watch for regional price impacts due to increased demand for cleanup and replacement chemicals.

Source: Read the original report | Published: May 29, 2026