Crews resumed their search for the nine missing workers on Wednesday, following the implosion of a tank at Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co. in Longview, Washington.

The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, resulted in the death of one individual and injuries to nine others, including a firefighter responding to the scene.

The tank, holding approximately 900,000 gallons (3.4 million liters) of white liquor—a caustic mixture primarily composed of sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide—collapsed partially due to unknown reasons.

White liquor is utilized with heat to break down wood for kraft paper production, a durable material used in packaging and other products.

The mill, which employs around 1,000 individuals and produces various materials such as tissues, printing paper, cups, plates, and cartons, faced safety concerns prior to the incident.

It has been fined for health and safety violations since the beginning of 2021.

Search efforts have been hindered by the potential risk of further tank collapse and leakage of the hazardous liquid.

The community of Longview, a city of approximately 40,000 inhabitants with strong ties to the timber and paper industries, remains on high alert as authorities work diligently to address the crisis.

Questions regarding the cause of the implosion persist, and officials emphasize their commitment to obtaining answers for those affected by this incident.

The recent events highlight the importance of safety measures in chemical processing facilities across the globe.