Explosion at paper mill in US, one dead and injured
As a result of the explosion and subsequent collapse of a large tank with a caustic chemical substance at a paper mill in the US state of Washington, at least one person was killed and nine more are listed as missing.
As 1news.az reports citing Associated Press, the incident occurred at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co. facility in the city of Longview. According to authorities, the tank, which contained nearly a million gallons (3.4 million liters) of caustic liquid, exploded, after which the structure collapsed.
As a result of the leak, nine more people were injured, some of whom sustained serious injuries. Among the injured was a firefighter who participated in the rescue operation. People suffered burns and respiratory tract damage from inhaling chemicals.
The Longview fire service reported that some of the liquid still remains in the destroyed tank, which complicates search and rescue operations.
"The tank remains unstable, creating dangerous conditions for emergency services," AP quoted a statement from the fire department. Rescuers continue to reinforce the structure to continue the operation.
Specialized services are currently determining the causes of the incident.
