Chemical explosion at paper mill in Longview, Washington kills one, leaves nine missing

A tank rupture at a paper mill in Longview, Washington has left one person dead, nine others missing, and nine injured. Emergency crews are responding to the industrial accident at the facility.

A deadly chemical explosion struck a paper mill in Longview, Washington on Tuesday, killing at least one worker, injuring nine others, and leaving nine people unaccounted for following a tank rupture at the facility.

Emergency responders rushed to the scene after the tank failed, triggering a chemical release that forced evacuations and complicated search efforts. The cause of the rupture was not immediately known, and authorities were working to identify the chemical involved and assess the extent of contamination.

The missing workers remained unaccounted for as rescue teams searched the affected areas of the mill. The nine injured were transported to local medical facilities, with the severity of their conditions not immediately confirmed.

Longview, located in Cowlitz County in southwestern Washington state, is home to several large industrial facilities along the Columbia River. Authorities urged residents in the surrounding area to stay clear of the site as the investigation and rescue operation continued.