Findings expected by year-end in state investigation into Longview tank implosion
The Washington Department of Labor & Industries expects its investigation into the deadly Longview tank implosion that killed 11 workers to take most of the six months allowed under state law, according to agency Director Joel Sacks.
The disaster, believed to be the deadliest workplace accident in modern Washington history, remains under investigation by both L&I and the federal Chemical Safety Board. In an interview with host Austin Jenkins on TVW’s “Inside Olympia,” Sacks said the two agencies have separate but complementary roles. L&I’s investigation will focus on workplace safety requirements, potential violations and lessons that could prevent future tragedies, while federal investigators are examining broader industry and regulatory issues.
“We have six months to go in, do our investigation, and then issue any potential monetary penalties or findings,” Sacks said.
L&I also is providing workers’ compensation benefits to injured workers and surviving family members. Sacks said agency staff have been on the ground since the incident occurred and expect the investigation to continue through late November.
https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/06/22/findings-expected-by-year-end-in-state-investigation-into-longview-tank-implosion/