Explore at a packing plant in Washington: Lost a person's life, nine wounded, and some missing.

The Longview Fire Department confirmed a victim at the Nippon Dinewave Packaging. He also confirmed that eight employees were injured and one fireman. Officials said nine people, who are plant employees, remain missing.

According to the fire department, the chemical incident occurred when a reservoir containing white juice, a chemical solution used in the paper industry.

The location of the event remains in the recovery phase, while rescue teams continue operations. No identifying information concerning injured or dead individuals at this time will be published pending the announcement of family members”, authorities said.

Michael Gorsuch, chief of the Longview Fire Department, said some injuries were critical and most were life threatening.

There is no immediate threat to the public”, the fire department said, but people should avoid the area.

After the reservoir exploded, the white fluid was poured into a drain, said British Goodswell, a spokeswoman for the State Ecology Department. The department sent a team to assess the effects as officials said there was no direct threat to the community.