PHOTOS: Multiple people were injured and at least one person was killed after a major chemical explosion Tuesday morning at the Nippon Dynawave plant in Longview, an incident authorities described as a complex and hazardous industrial accident.
The one person confirmed dead was identified by his family as Gilbert Bernal, a grandfather whose son also worked at the mill.
Crews with the Longview Fire Department responded to the facility at 7:18 a.m. after a tank containing white liquor ruptured, according to Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue Fire Chief Scott Goldstein.
Officials said there was no direct threat to the surrounding community, but residents were urged to avoid Industrial Way and nearby areas while emergency crews continue response and recovery operations. Nippon Dynawave is a Kraft pulp and paper mill and liquid packaging plant.
White liquor, the chemical involved in the incident, is a highly corrosive alkaline solution primarily made of sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide. It is used in the Kraft papermaking process to break down wood chips into pulp.
During a 7 p.m. press conference, Battalion Chief Matt Amos with the Longview Fire Department confirmed multiple critical injuries and fatalities.
Officials said 10 people were transported to area hospitals, including eight plant employees and one firefighter. Authorities confirmed one death.
KOMO-TV ABC 4 Seattle
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