Here's what we know about the Longview, WA implosion victims
Eight dead in Longview chemical implosion
Eight people are dead and three remain missing after a massive chemical implosion at a Longview facility. Rescue teams face chest-deep water and a caustic "white liquor" that is so corrosive it is eating through their personal protective equipment. The EPA is actively monitoring the area after 500,000 gallons of the material seeped into nearby neighborhood dikes.
LONGVIEW, Wash. - After a massive chemical implosion at a Longview paper mill killed 11 people, little is known about the victims.
Eight people are confirmed dead, and three others remain missing after a tank of white liquor imploded at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging facility on Tuesday, May 26. Eight others also suffered injuries, including chemical burns and inhalation.
Longview Fire Chief Brad Hannig confirmed in a press conference Thursday that crews recovered six of the nine workers who were unaccounted for following the implosion. Two workers who made it out of the site also died, making the death toll 11.
Search and recovery efforts are underway for the three victims who remain missing. Because of the toxic chemicals, the victims' remains must be decontaminated before the coroner can begin the formal identification process.
Keep reading for details on what we know about the victims in the Longview chemical implosion.
Two victims identified
As of Thursday, only two victims of the implosion have been identified by family members: Jared Ammons and Gilbert Bernal.
Jared Ammons:
Family and friends described Ammons as a "loving husband, devoted father, cherished son and caring brother." He leaves behind his wife, two kids, and another child on the way.
Those who knew Ammons said' his loss has left an unimaginable hole in their hearts. A GoFundMe is raising money for his family as they navigate the recent tragedy.
Gilbert Bernal:
Friends said Bernal was one of the best people they've ever met, and "was a Godly man in every sense of the word."
His GoFundMe said Bernal was loved by many and worked hard to provide for his family. The online fundraiser will go towards his family's funeral expenses and other needs during this troubling time.
9 missing, injured unidentified
What's next:
There is still little information about the rest of the workers who were killed, hurt, or still missing following the chemical implosion. City officials or the Cowlitz County Medical Examiner's Office will release details as they continue the recovery and identification process.
A press conference is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Thursday with officials from Longview Fire Department, Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Ecology. You can watch it on FOX 13.
9 remain missing after Longview, WA implosion
Following a chemical tank implosion at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging facility in Longview on Tuesday morning, officials confirmed on Wednesday that the death toll has risen to two and nine workers remain missing.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
The Source: Information in this story came from GoFundMe, the Longview Fire Department, and previous FOX 13 Seattle reporting.
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