Chemical Tank Rupture Kills 11 at Washington State Paper Plant
Is this a case of corporate negligence or a tragic accident that deserves patience?
Above: Community members attend a vigil following a fatal chemical storage tank failure in Longview, Washington on May 26. Image credit: Mathieu Lewis-Rolland/Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
As this tragic incident unfolds, now is a time to mourn those who have been lost and support families and the community. The focus at the moment must be on very challenging technical response and recovery operations.
Establishment-critical narrative
This is one of the deadliest industrial accidents in the U.S. in decades. Coupled with the California incident, it raises serious questions about regulation and corporate responsibility regarding chemical tanks on the West Coast.
