The tight-knit community of Longview, Washington is reeling after a devastating incident at the local Nippon Dynawave pulp-and-paper facility. A massive tank containing caustic white liquor ruptured early Tuesday, resulting in the death of at least one worker and leaving nine others unaccounted for. The tragedy has deeply affected the residents of Longview, many of whom have personal connections to the mill and its workers.
Community Vigil and Support
Lonnie Koistinen, a lifelong resident of Longview, expressed the profound impact of the event, stating, “Men do cry sometimes when real tragic things happen.” Koistinen, 71, attended a vigil held to honor the victims, where over 100 community members gathered to support one another in this time of loss.
The ruptured tank, which stored a 900,000-gallon mixture of chemicals used in the papermaking process, has left the community in shock. Fire officials have reported that 90,000 gallons of the chemical remain inside the tank, complicating recovery efforts. Nine individuals, including a firefighter and eight employees, were hospitalized in Longview and Vancouver for treatment.
Impact on the Community
Graylan Davis, another Longview resident, emphasized the importance of the mill to the local economy and community identity. “I drive past the mill every day on my way home. It’s a huge part of our community. If we didn’t have our millworkers, the town would probably face a steady decline,” Davis remarked. His comments highlight the mill’s role as a cornerstone of Longview’s economic and social fabric.
In the wake of the tragedy, Davis encouraged attendees of the vigil to come together, regardless of their backgrounds or beliefs. “I worry people within our community don’t feel like they can reach out to somebody that doesn’t fit in their clique, so to speak—blue collar, white collar, left, right. We’re all here,” he said, urging unity and mutual support as the community navigates this difficult time.
As recovery efforts continue, the residents of Longview are reminded of the strength found in community and the importance of coming together in times of need. The Nippon Dynawave facility, a significant part of the town’s identity, remains a focal point as the community mourns and seeks healing.
Original reporting: WQAD (Quad Cities) — read the source article.
