2nd Worker Dies, 9 More Presumed Dead After Chemical Vat Rupture at Washington State Paper Mill

Authorities abandoned all hope of finding survivors among the 9 workers still missing, turning their efforts to recovery instead of rescue.

Structural damage to the Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co., after a tank containing hazardous liquid imploded in Longview, Wash., on May 26, 2026. City of Longview via AP

Authorities abandoned rescue operations and shifted to recovery Wednesday at a paper mill in Longview, Washington State, after a second injured worker died and nine employees remain unaccounted for—bringing the presumed death toll to 11.

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson told a press conference on Wednesday: “We’re bracing ourselves for this being the deadliest industrial tragedy in modern Washington state history.”