Fire officials confirmed at least two people died in the implosion and nine employees remain missing as of Wednesday, May 27.
LONGVIEW, Wash. — Family members are identifying some of the employees killed in Tuesday’s tank implosion at a Longview paper mill as officials continue to investigate the deadly incident.
At the Nippon Dynawave facility, an approximately 600,000 gallon chemical tank storing white liquor — a mix of sodium hydroxide, sodium sulfide and disodium carbonate that is used in the papermaking process — imploded around 7:15 a.m., but officials are still working to determine why.
At least two people were killedand another nine employees remain missing, according to the Longview Fire Department. One firefighter and eight employees were taken to hospitals in Longview and Vancouver for treatment.
Officials confirmed the second death on Wednesday. The Longview Fire Department said one person who was taken from the scene died at a hospital, bringing the confirmed death toll to two.
Cowlitz Fire and Rescue Chief Scott Goldstein said at a press conference on Tuesday night that officials do not believe there are any rescues to be made. Search and recovery efforts are continuing this week.
Families are paying tribute to their loved ones on social media and online fundraisers.
Victims identified
A 26-year-old Longview man has been identified as a victim in the explosion. His family is asking for privacy and that his ID not be released.
Gilbert Bernal
Jim John, a pastor at Kelso’s Journey Seventh-day Adventist Church said Gilbert Bernal’s family authorized John to identify Bernal as one of the people killed.
Bernal was an electrician who worked for the company for about 15 years. His son also worked at the paper mill.
His daughter, Geovana Bernal-Ferguson, described Bernal as “the most selfless man I knew.” He was set to celebrate his 32nd wedding anniversary in a few weeks, and was also a loving grandfather, Bernal-Ferguson said in a statement.
“He worked hard to provided for his family and he loved us so much,” her statement continued. “He was always willing to help at our local church, Journey Seventh Day Adventist church and volunteering his time to help repairs or help anyone in need. He truly is going to be missed. He was a one of a kind and our community is already feeling the impact of his passing. He was a great man, husband, father, grandfather, son, brother and friend. We are so heartbroken. We love him so much.”
Bernal was described as “everybody’s friend,” and a “very, very dedicated family man,” John told KING 5.
”Gilbert was always willing to help anybody. No matter what the situation was, he was very mechanical, very, very good with his hands, sincere,” John said. “Just a great human being.”
This is a developing story and will be updated. Check back for more information.
