WA investigates deadly Nippon Dynawave plant tank implosion
Congresswoman demands answers on worker pay following deadly implosion
The Department of Labor and Industries has launched a six-month investigation into the fatal Longview chemical tank implosion as political and legal pressure mounts over worker compensation limits.
LONGVIEW, Wash. - State regulators have launched a formal investigation into a catastrophic chemical tank implosion at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging facility that killed 11 people and left others seriously injured.
The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries announced that specialized teams are now able to safely inspect the collapsed tank following the completion of recovery efforts. The disaster occurred one week ago, triggering a massive emergency response at the Longview plant.
Investigators expect to spend the next six months dissecting the incident. Specialized teams are currently interviewing witnesses, reviewing facility records, and inspecting the site to determine exactly what caused the chemical tank to implode.
Worker pay dispute triggers confusion
The operational shutdown of the facility has sparked widespread confusion and concern regarding employee compensation.
On May 28, Brian Wood, Nippon Dynawave’s Director of Support Services, stated that the company had established mechanisms to support its displaced workforce.
"We've made arrangements to pay people who are not working today because of this incident and will continue to do so and make further decisions as we go forward," Wood said.
However, U.S. Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez sent a formal letter to company executives on Monday demanding clarification. The lawmaker stated that the company appeared to be walking back its original promise by only guaranteeing employee pay through June 7.
Union officials have moved to ease workers' fears, clarifying that the early June date is not a definitive cutoff.
"What's been sent out by the employer to all employees said that they would be paid at least through the 7th," said Josh Estes of the Association of Western Pulp and Paper Workers Union.
Scene outside the Nippon Dynawave paper mill in Longview, Washington. (FOX 13 Seattle)
Legal options and state assistance
In light of the disaster, legal experts are advising injured victims and affected families to secure all text messages, letters, and digital communications related to the mill.
While the state's workers' compensation system covers immediate medical costs and lost wages on a "no-fault" basis, legal professionals note that the severity of this incident may justify further action.
"This one being such a catastrophic event, [and] now we're learning details in the months, the years prior, of things being reported, having a lawsuit against the employer might be an option," said Taylor Trusky, an attorney with Pond Lehocky.
Once the state concludes its investigation, Nippon Dynawave officials will have 15 working days to formally respond to any safety violations.
In the interim, the state is offering expedited help with workers' compensation claims, survivor pensions, and funeral cost reimbursements. Labor leaders continue to encourage community donations to support the impacted families.
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The Source: Information in this story comes from original reporting by FOX 13 Seattle reporter Dan Griffin.