LONGVIEW, Wash.—Crews have recovered six of nine workers missing and presumed to be dead after a chemical tank rupture in Washington state, officials said Thursday.
The total death toll is 11, including three who are still missing. It’s one of the deadliest U.S. workplace accidents in recent decades.
Officials say the paper mill tank ruptured and spilled more than 500,000 gallons (1.9 million liters) of a highly destructive chemical mixture used in paper manufacturing at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co. in Longview, a city along the Columbia River.
Among the 11 victims were a grandfather who was always willing to help anyone and a young husband described as selfless and caring, according to friends who organized fundraisers for the victims’ families….