By MES Dispatch staff
The Briefing
• Recovery teams have recovered the remains of six workers who died in a deadly explosion and fire at a paper mill in Tacoma, Washington, authorities said.
• The incident occurred May 14 at the Tacoma Kraft paper mill, prompting a multi-agency response.
• Firefighters and structural specialists worked over weeks in hazardous conditions to search collapsed sections of the facility.
• Officials continue investigating the cause of the explosion and are supporting families of the victims.
TACOMA, WA — Search and recovery crews have located and retrieved the remains of six workers who were killed in a May 14 explosion and fire at the Tacoma Kraft paper mill in Tacoma, officials confirmed.
The incident prompted an extensive response from fire departments, hazardous materials teams and structural specialists as sections of the plant collapsed amid intense heat, creating dangerous conditions for responders.
Fire officials and labor representatives said that responders worked methodically over several weeks to ensure the safety of crews while conducting the recovery operations in unstable areas of the mill, marked by twisted metal and debris.
The remains of the six workers were recovered and turned over to medical examiners, and authorities are coordinating with families to provide updates and support during the ongoing aftermath of the disaster.
The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries and other agencies continue investigating the cause of the explosion and fire, with findings expected later this year.