LONGVIEW, Wash. — Officials have identified all 11 victims killed following a catastrophic tank implosion at the Nippon Dynawave paper mill in Longview, Washington.
The Cowlitz County Coroner’s Office released the names after recovery crews located and identified all workers previously reported missing.
Those killed were Gilbert Bernal, 52, of Kelso, Washington; Tyler Covington, 29, of Castle Rock, Washington; Brad Covington, 27, of Castle Rock, Washington; Robert Wilson, 48, of Clatskanie, Oregon; Dale Miller, 54, of Portland, Oregon; Jared Ammons, 35, of Longview, Washington; Braydon Finkas, 38, of Cathlamet, Washington; Clinton Doran, 26, of Kelso, Washington; John Forsberg, 51, of Longview, Washington; Norman Barlow, 58, of Vancouver, Washington; and Dillon Miller, who later died after being transferred to a Portland-area hospital.
Officials said a 900,000-gallon tank containing white liquor, a caustic chemical used in paper production, imploded shortly after 7:15 a.m. Tuesday at the facility.
The tank’s failure released an estimated 600,000 gallons of the substance into work areas across the mill. The force of the release caused extensive damage and trapped workers inside.
Recovery operations continued for several days because the damaged tank remained unstable. Emergency crews worked to reinforce the structure before entering affected areas and recovering victims.
During the initial response, 10 people were transported to area hospitals. Those injured included eight employees and one firefighter. Several patients were later transferred to the Oregon Burn Center for specialized treatment.
Investigators are now working to determine what caused the implosion and whether similar risks exist elsewhere at the facility.
The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board announced it will conduct a formal investigation after recovery operations conclude.
Environmental agencies are also monitoring the aftermath. Officials confirmed some white liquor entered the Columbia River, and reports of dead fish have surfaced near the site’s spillways.
The Washington State Department of Ecology and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency continue monitoring air and water quality while assessing potential environmental impacts.
During a Saturday briefing, Cowlitz County Coroner Dana Tucker described the incident as “a horrific tragedy that has profoundly impacted our community.”
In response, Gov. Bob Ferguson ordered flags across Washington to fly at half-staff for one week in honor of the victims. Ferguson said the state grieves alongside the Longview community and the families affected by the disaster.
Officials said there is no direct threat to the surrounding community. However, the investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine what led to one of the deadliest industrial accidents in Washington’s recent history.
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