LOCAL
AWPPW statement on tragedy at Nippon Dynawave
LONGVIEW, WA (May 27, 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.
On Tuesday morning, the following statement was released by the Association of Western Pulp and Paper Workers, which represents workers at the site:
AWPPW is actively engaged alongside Local 580 leadership, company representatives, emergency responders, and supporting agencies following the serious industrial incident that occurred this morning at Nippon Dynawave Packaging in Longview involving the rupture of a vat containing white liquor.
Emergency response and recovery operations remain ongoing at the facility. Preliminary information indicates the incident resulted in multiple critical injuries, with individuals transported to area hospitals for treatment.
Officials have also confirmed fatalities related to the incident. Out of respect for the workers and families involved, AWPPW will not release identifying information or discuss personnel details pending official notifications and confirmation processes. We are also being very careful not to place workers or affected families in a position where they feel pressured to speak publicly during an active response situation. As such, we are not currently coordinating on-camera interviews with represented employees. Should that change as the situation develops, we can revisit that discussion.
At this time, there is no immediate threat to the surrounding community. We ask the public to continue avoiding the area so emergency personnel can safely continue response and recovery operations.
Our immediate concern remains focused on the affected workers, their families, emergency responders, and everyone impacted by this tragedy. AWPPW continues coordinating closely with all responding partners to support a fully coordinated public information response and family assistance efforts.
Additional information will be shared as it becomes verified and available.
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.
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