Workers’ Bodies Recovered Following Paper Mill Explosion in Washington State

Officials announced on Saturday that the remains of two missing workers were found following the explosion at a paper mill in Longview, Washington, increasing the total death toll to 11.

The incident occurred at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging plant on Tuesday when a tank containing 600,000 gallons of a caustic chemical referred to as “white liquor” exploded. This chemical is essential in the process of converting wood chips into packaging material for juice cartons.

The search for missing workers extended throughout the week, facing hurdles due to the perilous conditions at the explosion site. Special protective gear was mandatory for crews due to the ongoing presence of dangerous chemicals, and they had to undergo decontamination.

During a press briefing, Cowlitz County Coroner Dana Tucker confirmed the identities of the deceased: Gilbert 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, whose age was not disclosed.

At the blast’s occurrence, most victims were located in the workers’ assignment area, officials reported. By Thursday, crews had already recovered seven of the missing bodies.

Deputy Chief Kurt Stitch of Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue stated that search teams worked diligently amidst the facility’s debris, which included scattered heavy objects, to retrieve the final two victims on Saturday. Tucker mentioned that the identified remains were verified through various means, including dental records, and that the forensic identification process continues.

Crew efforts have been intense, methodical, and challenging for everyone involved, Chief Stitch remarked.

This explosion ranks among the deadliest industrial disasters in recent times. Nippon Dynawave has pledged cooperation with officials to investigate its cause. The tragedy has sparked discussions about the plant’s future and its economic role, considering it employs about 550 people.

Paper mills have traditionally been vital employers in the area, but many have shut down amid global economic changes.

Federal and state environmental agencies have monitored air and water safety around the plant since the incident, with officials assuring that the drinking water remains safe. However, they advised avoiding waterways connected to the storm drainage system affected by contaminants.

Given its magnitude, officials expressed minimal concern about contaminating the Columbia River.