Notice Regarding the Accident at U.S. Subsidiary Nippon Dynawave Packaging (Second Update)

Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd.

We would like to provide an update on the tank collapse that occurred at the facility of our U.S. subsidiary, Nippon Dynawave Packaging (“NDP”), located in Washington State, U.S.A.

In accordance with local regulations and an Incident Command System (ICS)(*), NDP are working closely with local police and fire authorities to ensure safety at the site and continue the search for missing persons.

We express our deepest condolences to those who lost their lives in this incident and offer our heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families.  We would also like to express our warmest sympathies to all those affected by the accident.  We would like to once again express our sincere apologies for the immense concern and inconvenience this has caused to the local community, our business partners, and all related parties.

 

The status of the damage caused by the accident as of 3:30 p.m. local time on May 28 (7:30 a.m. Japan time on May 29) is as follows:

 

1. Status of the Accident 

    At approximately 7:00 a.m. local time on May 26, a chemical tank at the facility collapsed. The cause of the accident is currently under investigation by the authorities.

 

2. Human Casualties

-      eight (8) dead

-      three (3) missing

-      eight (8) injured

-      We are continuing to gather further details.

 

3. Equipment Damage

    We have confirmed damage to one chemical tank.

 

4. Other

    The impact of this accident on the environment, production, shipments, and our financial performance is still currently being assessed.

 

 *ICS: An emergency response system standardized under the framework of the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), encompassing police, fire departments, and related organizations.

End