All missing victims from the recent paper mill explosion in Longview, Washington, have been found, officials confirmed on Saturday. ‘Today, on day five of this incident, I can share that we have recovered the ninth and final missing employee of this incident,’ Longview Fire Chief Brad Hannig reported during a news conference.
Recovery operations commenced after the chemical tank implosion and rupture at the Nippon Dynawave plant on Tuesday. Tragically, two victims who were transported to hospitals succumbed to their injuries, increasing the death toll to 11.
The deceased have been identified as Gilberto Bernal, 52; Tyler Covington, 29; Brad Covington, 27; Robert Wilson, 48; Dale Miller, 54; Jared Ammons, 35; Braydon Finkas, 38; Clinton Duran, 26; John Forsberg, 51; Norman Barlow, 58; and Dillon Miller.
The tank was meant to contain 900,000 gallons of white liquor, a dangerous chemical mixture that includes sodium hydroxide, sodium sulfide, and disodium carbonate, used in the paper-pulping process, officials stated.
The tank imploded at 7:15 a.m. during a shift change, according to authorities. Kurt Stitch, deputy chief at Cowlitz 2 Fire and Rescue, described the recovery process as ‘methodical and incredibly difficult for everyone that’s been involved.’ Efforts included moving large items indoors and utilizing drones to ensure nothing was overlooked.
Authorities have been working to reduce high-pH water levels in ditches contaminated by chemical spills. On Friday, improvements in pH levels were noted. The ditch overlays an aquifer and well field supplying Longview’s drinking water. However, officials assured that contaminated water was diverted from the wellhead to keep Longview’s water supply safe.
The investigation into the cause of the implosion is still underway.