Updated: Tragedy at Nippon Dynawave

LONGVIEW, WA (Updated June 8, 2026) — At approximately 7:15 a.m. on Tuesday, May 26, a vat containing a powerful chemical used in the paper-making process ruptured at Nippon Dynawave Packaging facility in Longview. Multiple people have been killed or injured.

The Cowlitz Wahkiakum Central Labor Council and the Association of Western Pulp and Paper Workers (AWPPW) have come together to establish a fund to support AWPPW families in the wake of this tragedy. Donations to the fund at the Lower Columbia Longshoremen’s Federal Credit Union can be made via direct fund transfer (for LCLFCU members); nonmembers can make contributions at LCLFCU’s main branch (629 14th Ave, Longview, WA 98632 – click here for a map). 

Tax-deductible donations can be made online by clicking here (please note”Nippon Fund” in the notes section) or by mailing a check to:

The Cowlitz Wahkiakum Central Labor Council
1145 Commerce Ave.
Longview, WA 98632

Online donations are also being collected via Venmo at @cwclcfamilysupport.

AWPPW will administer the fund. For more information, please contact Josh Estes at josh@pnwrstrategies.com

The following statement was released by AWPPW on Friday, June 5:

The Family Assistance Center (FAC), the onsite Incident Management Team (IMT), and the AWPPW would like to express their sincere gratitude to the many agencies, organizations, businesses, and community members who have come together to support affected families, coworkers, first responders, and all those impacted during this difficult time.

The IMT is proud to say that our community has worked together in extraordinary ways. Through compassion, dedication, and service, countless individuals and organizations have helped provide resources, comfort, and support to those most affected.

We are especially grateful for the agencies and organizations that have worked alongside the IMT in support of FAC operations:

• • Association of Western Pulp & Paper Workers (AWPPW)
  • Association of Western Pulp & Paper Workers Local’s 580/633
  • City of Longview Fire Department
  • City of Longview Police Department
  • City of Longview Street Maintenance Division
  • Columbia Wellness
  • Columbia County Department of Emergency Management
  • Cowlitz County Coroner’s Office
  • Cowlitz County Department of Emergency Management
  • Cowlitz County Department of Emergency Management Volunteers
  • Cowlitz County Information Technology
  • Cowlitz County Health & Human Services
  • Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office
  • Cowlitz Chaplaincy
  • Lewis County Division of Emergency Management
  • Washington Military Department – Emergency Management Division
  • YMCA of Southwest Washington

Their professionalism, expertise, and commitment have played a vital role in supporting families and ensuring services were available when they were needed most.

We also extend our heartfelt thanks to the many individuals, businesses, organizations, and community members who have and continue to donate food, beverages, gift cards, supplies, services, and other resources. Every contribution, regardless of size, has made a meaningful difference and has demonstrated the generosity and strength of our community.

As we move forward, leadership of the Family Assistance Center is transitioning from the onsite Incident Management Team to the AWPPW. The IMT is proud of the partnership established through the FAC and looks forward to supporting the AWPPW as they lead the next phase of services and support. While the IMT will no longer serve in the lead coordination role, the agencies and organizations that have supported this effort remain available as resources to the AWPPW. We will continue to support their efforts as requested and will defer to the leadership and guidance of AWPPW regarding the continued operation of the FAC.

Although time has passed, the needs of affected families, coworkers, and first responders continue. We ask our community to remain supportive, keep those affected in your thoughts and prayers, and continue looking for ways to help. It is important that those most impacted know they have not been forgotten and that their community remains beside them.

On behalf of the Family Assistance Center, the Incident Management Team, and the AWPPW, thank you to everyone who has contributed to this effort. Your compassion, generosity, and commitment have made a lasting difference during one of the most challenging times our community has faced.

For impacted workers or family support requests, including immediate needs assistance, please contact:  longviewimpactedworkers@awppw.org

For family inquiries or requests related to support services through the Family Assistance Center, please contact:

Rick Nielsen
President, AWPPW Local 580
360-560-7804

This page will be updated with more information from AWPPW as it becomes available. Media inquiries should be directed to AWPPW spokesperson Josh Estes at  josh@pnwrstrategies.com or 425-622-8256.