Update: Officials in Longmont held a press conference and confirmed that multiple people have died and several are unaccounted for. 10 people have been transported to a hospital, officials confirmed.
Additionally, it was also revealed that the explosion was caused by a "rupture of a tank containing white liquor."
Cowlitz Fire and Rescue Chief Scott Goldstein said that there are "confirmed" fatalities," but the exact number is undetermined."
"The scene remains in the recovery phase as emergency responders continue operations," the Longview Fire Department said in an update. "No identifying information regarding injured or deceased individuals will be released at this time pending notification of family members."
Original Story: An explosion at the Nippon Dynawave chemical plant in Longview, Washington on Tuesday afternoon left multiple people injured. Visuals from the scene emerged, which showed the scary aftermath of the incident.
The Longview Fire Department has said that multiple people have suffered chemical burn injuries and have been taken to a medical facility. The seriousness of their injuries is unclear. They confirmed that the explosion occurred at 7:30am local time earlier today.
{{/usCountry}}The Longview Fire Department has said that multiple people have suffered chemical burn injuries and have been taken to a medical facility. The seriousness of their injuries is unclear. They confirmed that the explosion occurred at 7:30am local time earlier today.
{{/usCountry}}Here's a photo from the scene which showed the area in the Nippon Dynawave chemical plant where the explosion took place.
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Here's the photo:
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The Longview Fire Department said in the initial update that "residents are asked to stay away from Industrial Way and avoid the surrounding area while emergency crew work the incident. This remains an active emergency response." No details were provided on what caused the explosion.
The Longmont Fire Department said that there is no threat to the public. Hazmat and fire crews are still working at the scene to contain the damage at the Nippon Dynawave paper mill.
The New York Post reports that a massive last sound was heard all around Longview during the explosion. It sparked panic in the area even as law enforcement responded.
The Nippon Dynawave facility has 550 employees, as per the Ecology Department.