Tank Failure Led to 11 Workplace Deaths | Portland News

Eleven workers died in a catastrophic chemical tank explosion at a Washington paper mill — a disaster that unfolded just as employees arrived for their shifts. A federal report reveals the tank had been flagged as dangerously thin and unfit for service ten months prior, with contractors urging immediate repairs or removal from operation. Despite multiple inspections confirming critical structural flaws, no action was taken. The failure occurred after a related vessel was shut down, causing the tank to overflow with 900,000 gallons of corrosive “white liquor,” triggering a deadly spill that crushed vehicles and destroyed buildings. Officials are now probing systemic safety failures, while the company faces 35 environmental violations. The full investigation is still ongoing. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/a7da2876c674be84