Authorities in Longview, Washington, are continuing to investigate a fatal chemical tank collapse at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging Company that occurred on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. The failure of a tank holding an estimated 90,000 gallons of caustic chemicals used in wood-pulping killed 11 workers and caused extensive structural damage, overturning vehicles and compromising nearby industrial buildings. As of May 30, state and federal agencies report no detected impacts on local air quality or the city’s drinking water, but residents are urged to avoid nearby drainage ditches and dikes while water testing continues. Investigators are still determining the root cause.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.