U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Skamania, led members of Congress in a moment of silence June 4 to honor the 11 men who died following the industrial disaster at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging mill in Longview.
Gluesenkamp Perez thanked her colleagues after the observance, saying the House paused to remember the workers who lost their lives and those still recovering from injuries.
The incident occurred May 26 at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging facility in Longview, where a chemical tank implosion killed workers and injured others.
Gluesenkamp Perez’s office described the incident as a devastating industrial tragedy and has also called on the company to clarify its commitment to pay Longview millworkers during the ongoing Chemical Safety Board investigation.
Speaking on the House floor, Gluesenkamp Perez said she rose “in grief for the 11 men who lost their lives” and “in hope for those still recovering from injuries” suffered at the Longview mill.
“As we confront the loss of lives and horrific injuries, God, forbid that we shirk from accountability for the current state of affairs or for the responsibility you’ve placed on us to improve them,” Gluesenkamp Perez said.
Her remarks also called for comfort for grieving families, strength for those rebuilding and wisdom for investigators seeking answers.
“Guide the hands caring for the wounded,” she said. “Grant discernment and wisdom to the investigators and all those seeking answers.”
The congresswoman asked members and guests in the chamber to rise for a moment of silence after delivering the remarks.
The Longview disaster has drawn statewide attention as one of Washington’s deadliest industrial incidents. Gluesenkamp Perez represents Washington’s 3rd Congressional District, which includes Clark County and much of Southwest Washington.
The implosion also injured nearly 20 people, including 10 who went to local medical facilities afterward but were not initially listed as injured.
Those killed in the implosion have been identified as Gilbert Bernal, Tyler and Brad Covington, Dale Miller, Robb Wilson, Jared Ammons, CJ Doran, John Forsberg, Braydon Finkas, Norman Barlow and Dillon Miller.
