Washington: The death toll from a chemical tank rupture in the US state of Washington climbed to 11 as crews recovered the bodies of all nine missing people, authorities said on Saturday.
Two fatalities had been confirmed after the tank containing “white liquor” – a chemical solution of sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide used in making paper pulp – imploded at a Nippon Dynawave Packaging facility on Tuesday.
Following the incident, search and recovery operations continued throughout the week as emergency crews worked to locate the missing individuals. Authorities said recovery teams searched through debris in indoor areas and used drones to monitor and assess conditions around the perimeter of the site.
The search for the missing carried on through the week as recovery crews worked through debris in indoor areas and flew drones over the perimeter of the site, said Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue’s Deputy Chief, Kurt Stitch.
Officials confirmed that all nine previously missing people were found, bringing the total death toll from the incident to 11.
The ruptured tank contained about 900,000 gallons (3.4 million litres) of white liquor, a chemical solution commonly used in the paper manufacturing process. Authorities have said that tests confirmed contamination entered the nearby Columbia River following the rupture.
Officials have continued to monitor environmental conditions in the area after the incident. According to authorities, while contamination from the chemical solution reached the river, assessments conducted so far have not indicated broader public health concerns.
Tests confirmed that contamination entered the nearby Columbia River, officials have said, although no “negative health impacts” had been detected on air quality or the city of Longview’s drinking water.
Emergency and recovery efforts remained focused on securing the site and completing operations following the rupture. Authorities have not announced further details regarding the cause of the tank implosion as investigations continue.
The incident at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging facility remains one of the deadliest industrial accidents in the region in recent years, with recovery efforts concluding after all missing persons were located.
