Emergency crews responded Monday after a chemical tank imploded at a paper and packaging facility in Longview, Washington, leaving one person dead and several others injured. Local officials said the incident happened inside the plant during normal operations as workers were on site.

Authorities confirmed that nine people were hurt and several workers were initially unaccounted for following the collapse. Rescue teams searched the area while plant operations were shut down. According to emergency officials, the damaged tank contained “white liquor,” a chemical solution commonly used in the paper-making process.

State and local agencies continued investigating what caused the implosion. Officials said there was no immediate danger to nearby residents, though access around the facility remained restricted during the response effort.

The plant is one of the region’s major industrial employers, and the incident drew a large emergency response from fire crews, medical teams, and hazardous materials specialists. Investigators are expected to review safety procedures and equipment conditions as part of the ongoing inquiry.