Gov. Ferguson orders flags lowered for victims of Longview, WA implosion
Longview families push for accountability after chemical implosion
Family members are honoring the lives lost and asking for accountability after a devastating chemical tank implosion at a Longview, Washington paper mill this week.
LONGVIEW, Wash. - Flags across the state of Washington will be flown at half-staff for one week, beginning on Sunday, in memory of the 11 victims killed at a Longview paper mill earlier this week.
Governor Bob Ferguson issued the order to lower flags on Friday, saying they must be lowered starting Sunday, but that businesses and state agencies are welcome to begin lowering them as early as Friday.
The flags are ordered to remain at half-staff through the week, until Sunday, June 7. Agencies may leave them lowered through the night until Monday morning as well, according to the governor's statement.
Governor Bob Ferguson issues statement ahead order to lower flags for Longview implosion victims
"I am deeply saddened by the recent industrial tragedy that occurred in Longview, Washington, at the Nippon Dynawave facility. This mass casualty event has devastated Washington state. We grieve with the Longview community and the impacted families. I hereby direct that Washington State and United States flags at all state agency facilities be lowered to half-staff in their memory on Sunday, May 31, 2026.
I have no objection to agencies lowering the flags at the close of business on Friday, May 29, 2026. Flags should remain at half-staff until close of business or sunset on Sunday, June 7, 2026, or first thing Monday morning, June 8, 2026."
What's next:
Heading into the weekend, efforts remained underway to recover the bodies of two missing victims. Seven recoveries of victims who died from the implosion had already been completed successfully. An additional two victims died of their injuries off site while receiving medical care.
Additionally, eight people suffered chemical burns or inhalation injuries following the incident.
Family mourns man killed in Longview chemical implosion
We're learning more about the victims of a deadly chemical implosion at a paper mill in Longview, Washington, which left 8 people dead, 8 others injures, and three still missing.
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