Final 2 Victims Recovered from Southwest Washington Mill Implosion

The two remaining victims who went missing after a chemical tank implosion at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging facility in Longview, Washington, have been recovered, bringing the confirmed death toll to 11. The incident occurred on May 26, 2026, when a white liquor tank burst at the facility.

Longview Fire Chief Brad Hannig expressed hope that the recovery would provide closure for the families affected. The victims include Gilbert Bernal, 52; brothers Tyler Covington, 29, and Brad Covington, 27; Robert Wilson, 48; Dale Miller, 54; Jared Ammons, 35; Braydon Finkas, 38; Clinton (CJ) Doran, 26; John Forsberg, 51; Norman Barlow, 58; and Dillon Miller, whose age was not provided.

All recovered individuals have been identified, according to Cowlitz County Coroner Dana Tucker. Seven other employees and a firefighter were injured in the blast.

Scott Tift, president of the Association of Western Pulp and Paper Workers, emphasized that the victims were more than just employees—they were fathers, sons, friends, and mentors. Recovery crews used drones to inspect indoor areas of the plant to ensure no one was missed.

The response at the facility is expected to continue for days, weeks, or even months as Nippon decides the facility's future. A fund has been established by the Association of Western Pulp and Paper Workers and the Cowlitz Wahkiakum Central Labor Council to support the affected families.

Donations are accepted at cwclc.