Longview paper mill disaster could be ‘deadliest industrial tragedy in modern Washington state history,’ governor says

By Conrad Wilson (OPB), Troy Brynelson (OPB), Amelia Templeton (OPB) and Courtney Sherwood (OPB)

LONGVIEW, Wash. May 27, 2026 7:01 p.m. Updated: May 27, 2026 11:24 p.m.

The confirmed death toll climbed to two people Wednesday, with nine others presumed dead, after a tank of corrosive chemicals ruptured.