One dead, nine missing after chemical tank implodes at facility in Washington state

LONGVIEW, Wash. (CBS, KYMA) - At least one person was killed and nine workers are missing after a chemical tank imploded at a pulp and paper mill in Longview, Washington Tuesday.

Officials say recovery efforts are expected to resume Wednesday at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging Company after the massive tank containing a corrosive liquid called "white liquor" ruptured.

At least eight other people were injured, including a firefighter. Authorities say they suffered burns or inhalation injuries, that range in severity from minor to critical.

Roughly 40 paramedics and firefighters responded to the incident, and fire officials say it's too early to determine the cause of the implosion.

"The recovery operations they remain focused on safely accessing all affected areas of the facility, recovering victims, and supporting impacted families while ensuring responder safety. Due to the instability of the site, some areas remain inaccessible at this time," said Battalion Chief Matt Amos with the Longview Fire Department.

Authorities say there's no immediate threat to the general public, but did warn that agencies are monitoring for any potential environmental impacts.

Members of the Longview community held a vigil Tuesday night to support those killed, injured, and missing in the implosion.