We won’t have a full explanation for the implosion at a Longview paper processing mill for a while.

The disaster left 11 people dead, and released thousands of gallons of white liquor, which is a highly corrosive chemical used to break down wood chips into pulp. 

The tragedy highlights the risks when people work in close proximity with large quantities of dangerous chemicals. The plant is one of several big industrial facilities in the area.

Reporter Kyra Buckley looked into the pulp and paper mill industry and its safety record for Oregon Public Broadcasting.

 
Related Links

Longview mill tragedy highlights dangerous nature of wood product manufacturing - Kyra Buckley, Oregon Public Broadcasting

After Explosion, Mourning Mixes With Dread Over a Paper Mill’s Future - Anna Griffin, Aaron West The New York Times

WA agencies lacked role inspecting failed chemical tank in Longview mill disaster - Washington State Standard

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes

Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network

We won&rsquo;t have a full explanation for the implosion at a Longview paper processing mill for a while.
The disaster left 11 people dead, and released thousands of gallons of white liquor, which is a highly corrosive chemical used to break down wood chips into pulp.&nbsp;
The tragedy highlights the risks when people work in close proximity with large quantities of dangerous chemicals. The plant is one of several big industrial facilities in the area.
Reporter Kyra Buckley looked into the pulp and paper mill industry and its safety record for Oregon Public Broadcasting.
&nbsp; Related Links <a href="https://www.opb.org/article/2026/05/29/wood-paper-manufacturing-history-southwest-washington/">Longview mill tragedy highlights dangerous nature of wood product manufacturing</a> - Kyra Buckley, Oregon Public Broadcasting
<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/28/us/longview-washington-paper-mill-chemical-explosion.html">After Explosion, Mourning Mixes With Dread Over a Paper Mill&rsquo;s Future</a> - Anna Griffin, Aaron West The New York Times
<a href="https://washingtonstatestandard.com/briefs/wa-agencies-lacked-role-inspecting-failed-tank-in-longview-chemical-disaster/">WA agencies lacked role inspecting failed chemical tank in Longview mill disaster</a> - Washington State Standard Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to <a href="http://kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes">kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes</a>
Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network

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The industry has gotten a lot safer over time. But workers are still exposed to hazardous chemicals. 