Longview Paper Mill Implosion Death Toll Rises to 8, Leaving 3 Workers Missing

8 articles · Updated · KING5.com · May 30

Eight workers are now confirmed dead and three remain missing after a 600,000-gallon chemical tank imploded Tuesday morning at Nippon Dynawave's paper mill in Longview, Washington.
The tank, which stored white liquor used in papermaking, collapsed around 7:15 a.m.; officials are still investigating the cause and said they do not believe any rescues remain possible.
Families and friends have begun identifying victims, including Dale Miller, Jared Ammons, Braydon Finkas, John Forsberg and Gilbert Bernal, as search and recovery crews continue work at the site.
The identifications have underscored the community toll of the blast, with relatives and fundraisers describing workers who left behind children, spouses and long ties to the mill and local churches.

What caused the tank's catastrophic failure, and were employee safety warnings about the mill ignored?

Given the mill's safety record, could stricter oversight have averted Washington's deadliest industrial tragedy?

How will the massive chemical spill affect the Columbia River and Longview's environment long-term?