[ "LONGVIEW, Wash. (AP) — A chemical tank at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co. plant in southwestern Washington state imploded on Tuesday, injuring at least ten people and leaving several dead or missing, authorities said.", "", "The 80,000‑gallon tank, which was about 60% full, contained white liquor, a corrosive mixture of sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide used to break down wood for kraft paper. “We’re dealing with life‑safety concerns and incident stabilization at this point,” fired chief Scott Goldstein told reporters after the blast.", "", "In a joint statement, Nippon Dynawave Packaging and local first‑response agencies confirmed that fatalities had occurred, though the exact number is still uncertain. Goldstein admitted the number of missing workers was unknown, and he declined to disclose details pending family notification.", "", "First responders described the scene as a mass casualty event. The Longview fire department sent about 40 firefighters and paramedics, joined by a regional hazmat team, to evacuate victims and decontaminate the hazardous white‑liquor spill that ran into a drainage ditch.", "", "A responding firefighter was among the injured, sustaining burns and inhalation injuries. Victims ranged from minor to critical, with some transported to hospitals in Longview and Vancouver, Washington.", "", "The incident prompted a thorough environmental assessment by the Washington State Department of Ecology. Brittny Goodsell, a department spokesperson, said a team had been dispatched to examine impacts from the spill.", "", "Nippon Dynawave is a pulp and paper mill that produces tissues, printing paper, cups, plates, cartons and other packaging materials, employing about 1,000 workers, according to the state’s Department of Ecology.", "", "Authorities are still investigating the cause of the implosion. The tank was released early in the morning at 7:15 a.m. and could have been compromised by corrosion or mechanical failure, but no definitive conclusion has been reached.", "", "The incident follows another recent chemical spill in Southern California, where residents were evacuated after a damaged tank at an aerospace plant leaked chemicals. The federal Emergency Management Agency has called for continued surveillance as such incidents highlight the risks of large industrial facilities.", "", "In the days ahead, investigators will examine the structural integrity of the tank, processing records, and maintenance logs to pinpoint the cause. The community remains on edge while the long‑term environmental impact of the white‑liquor spill is assessed.", "", "The incident has sparked renewed calls for stricter safety protocols on chemical storage facilities, especially those handling corrosive materials used in commercial manufacturing. The state has pledged to review safety oversight after the event." ]