Washington chemical tank was called unfit for service before deadly failure, investigators find

The U.S. Chemical Safety Board’s update about the May 26 failure in Longview, which expelled enough caustic liquid to blow out building walls, is part of an ongoing investigation. The federal agency said it is still determining the cause of the failure.

The board found that the contractor provided Nippon Dynawave Packaging Company with recommendations for internal inspections and shell repairs, but the company did none between a July 2025 inspection and the May 2026 failure.

“Because the investigation remains ongoing, we will not comment on individual findings or documents at this time,” an emailed statement from Nippon spokesperson Sam Jefferies said Friday. “Our focus remains on supporting affected families and employees and taking the necessary steps toward fully reopening the Longview facility.”

Jefferies said the company will continue to cooperate fully with the board.