LONGVIEW, Wash. (AP) — Early Tuesday morning, several individuals sustained chemical burns and inhalation injuries following the implosion of a tank containing hazardous liquids at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co. facility. This incident took place at a pulp and paper mill located in Longview, Washington, prompting a significant emergency response.

Though specific numbers regarding the injured were not immediately available, Mike Gorsuch, the battalion chief of the Longview fire department, described the situation as a "mass casualty scene." Following the incident, first responders worked diligently to decontaminate affected individuals before transporting them to nearby hospitals in both Longview and Vancouver, Washington.

The Nippon Dynawave facility is primarily involved in the production of materials for various consumer goods, including tissues, printing paper, cups, plates, and cartons. This plant is considered a significant employer in the region, with an estimated workforce of around 1,000 employees, according to information from the Washington State Department of Ecology.

Approximately 40 firefighters and paramedics responded to the scene, assisted by a regional hazardous materials (hazmat) team. The incident was officially reported at 7:19 a.m., showcasing a rapid and coordinated emergency response effort from local authorities.

As recovery efforts were underway in Longview, the impact of hazardous materials continued to resonate in the broader region. Thousands of residents in Southern California remained evacuated due to a separate incident involving a damaged chemical tank at an aerospace plant, highlighting the ongoing risks associated with hazardous materials in industrial settings.

Nippon Dynawave did not provide an immediate comment regarding the incident, and the situation continues to develop as authorities assess the aftermath and the extent of the injuries sustained by those affected by the tank implosion.