Washington, 27 May (H.S.):
Several people were killed after a chemical tank exploded at a paper and pulp mill in the United States. Officials said the exact number of fatalities has not yet been confirmed. Around 10 people were found in critical condition inside the mill premises after suffering severe burns from exposure to chemicals. The mill management stated that several employees are still missing. Government officials and the company confirmed that multiple casualties occurred in the incident, which took place on Tuesday morning.
According to a report by ABC News, the mill operated by Nippon Dynawave Packaging Company is not located in Washington, D.C., but in Longview, Washington, in the northwestern United States. Authorities clarified that the incident does not pose any immediate threat to nearby residents. Fire officials said they received information about the explosion at approximately 7:15 a.m. on Tuesday. Initial reports indicated that a tank containing “white liquor” had exploded at the mill.
Longview Fire Battalion Chief Mike Gorsch said during a press conference, “The situation is now stable. Rescue operations are currently underway.” Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue Chief Scott Goldstein, who was present alongside Gorsch, stated that it was still difficult to estimate the number of fatalities. Responding to a question, he declined to disclose how many people were missing. According to Gorsch, one firefighter was injured after slipping during the rescue operation.
Rick Graves, spokesperson for Portland Fire & Rescue in Oregon, said that critically injured individuals are being treated at nearby medical centres, while some victims have been admitted to specialised burn centres.
The Nippon Dynawave Packaging Company facility is situated along the Columbia River. The site houses both a pulp and paper mill as well as a liquid packaging plant. Raw materials produced there are used in the manufacture of tissue paper, printing paper, cups, plates, cartons, and other products. According to the state’s environmental department, approximately 1,000 people are employed at the facility.
Goldstein stated that the tank that exploded had a capacity of 80,000 gallons (303,000 litres) and was about 60 per cent full at the time of the blast. The chemical mixture primarily consisted of sodium hydroxide and sodium sulphide, which are used in the process of breaking down wood to manufacture kraft paper.
Goldstein added that it would be premature to determine the exact cause of the explosion at this stage. Gorsch said that nearly 40 firefighters and paramedics, along with a regional hazardous materials (HazMat) team, were involved in the rescue and emergency response operations.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
