Recovery effort underway after deadly paper plant tank implosion in Washington

Multiple workers remain missing this morning after a deadly tank implosion at a paper plant in Washington state.

(NBC)- Multiple workers remain missing this morning after a deadly tank implosion at a paper plant in Washington state.

Emergency dispatch audio captured the frantic response.

“We’re reporting a tank imploded,” one dispatcher said.

A large-scale recovery operation is now underway as first responders search through the damaged facility.

Officials say the destroyed tank had been holding nearly one million gallons of hazardous liquid before rupturing.

At least one person was killed and several others suffered critical injuries, including chemical burns.

“It looks like three people with chemical burns,” dispatch audio revealed during the emergency response.

Authorities say the cause of the implosion remains under investigation.

“Operations remain focused on safely accessing all affected areas of the facility, recovering victims and supporting impacted families, while ensuring responder safety due to the instability of the site,” officials said in a statement.

As recovery efforts continue, community members gathered Wednesday to honor the victims.

Among those remembered was electrician and grandfather Gilbert Bernal.

“It’s a big loss for the family, the way he lived his life, the way he loved his family,” Pastor Jim John said.

The incident is the latest industrial chemical scare on the West Coast this week.

In Orange County, California, crews recently worked to prevent another possible chemical tank explosion amid fears of toxic exposure.

Officials there later confirmed the danger had been contained and evacuation orders affecting tens of thousands of residents were lifted.

Back in Washington state, many residents say the tragedy has deeply shaken the community.

“It’s really the most tragic thing that’s ever happened in Longview in my lifetime, and I’ve been here 71 years,” one resident said in dispatch audio.