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Second death confirmed after blast in Washington state, and no survivors expected

May 28, 2026

A catastrophic tank rupture at a Washington state paper mill has killed at least two people, with nine others still missing as search efforts transition from rescue to recovery operations. The incident at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging facility released hundreds of thousands of gallons of white liquor, a corrosive chemical used in papermaking, creating extremely hazardous conditions that prevent crews from accessing certain areas. Seven employees and one firefighter sustained injuries, while a large volume of contaminants has entered the Columbia River, though local water and air quality reportedly remain safe.

Who is affected

  • Nine missing individuals (presumed dead)
  • Two confirmed deceased victims, including Gilbert Bernal
  • Seven injured employees
  • One injured firefighter
  • Gilbert Bernal's family, including his wife, daughter Geovana Bernal, son, and grandson
  • Approximately 1,000 employees who work at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging facility
  • Recovery and cleanup crews
  • Residents near the Columbia River

What action is being taken

  • Crews are conducting recovery operations (no longer rescue) to search for the nine missing people
  • Recovered individuals are undergoing decontamination before transport to the coroner's office
  • Crews are wearing special protective gear while working in hazardous conditions
  • The National Guard is assisting in recovery and clean-up operations
  • White liquor (approximately 25,000 gallons) continues to leak slowly from the tank

Why it matters

  • This is the deadliest industrial accident in modern Washington history, highlighting critical safety concerns at industrial facilities. The release of hundreds of thousands of gallons of highly corrosive chemicals poses significant environmental risks, with contaminants entering the Columbia River. The incident affects a major employer in the area with 1,000 workers and raises questions about workplace safety, particularly given the facility's history of a major fire in July 2023. The inability of crews to access certain areas due to extreme hazards underscores the severity of the chemical exposure and structural damage.

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC

Second death confirmed after blast in Washington state, and no survivors expected