A Letter from the Mayor on the Nippon Tragedy

HomePosted on May 26, 2026

Today, our community experienced a heartbreaking tragedy.

This morning’s industrial incident at Nippon Dynawave Packaging has deeply impacted families, coworkers, first responders, and countless people throughout Longview and our surrounding communities. As response and recovery efforts continue, we now know there have been multiple injuries, fatalities, and individuals who remain unaccounted for.

On behalf of the Longview City Council and the City of Longview, I want to express our deepest condolences to every person affected by this devastating event.

Nippon Dynawave has long been an important part of our community. Many of us know someone who works there. Some of us have family members, friends, neighbors, or loved ones directly connected to this incident. Today’s loss is not distant. It is personal to our community.

I also want to recognize the extraordinary efforts of the emergency responders, medical personnel, chaplaincy, and partner agencies who responded immediately and continue working under incredibly difficult conditions. Their professionalism, courage, and compassion reflect the very best of our community.

In moments of crisis like this, we look for comfort, guidance, and peace. I want to ask our community to join me in lifting these families up in your prayers.

As information continues to develop, I encourage everyone to rely on official sources for updates and to keep the victims, their families, coworkers, and responders in your prayers.

Longview is a strong community, and we will move through this together.

Mayor Erik Halvorson
City of Longview