1 Dead, 3 Injured As Tank Blast Dumps 200,000 Gallons Of Sewage In Spokane

SPOKANE, Washington — An explosion that blew a hole in a sewage tank dumped up to 200,000 gallons of sludge and wastewater into the Spokane River and a parking lot, authorities said. One worker was missing and presumed dead and three others were injured.

The four sewage treatment plant workers had gone to check on an unusual pressure buildup in the tank and were either on or near it at the time of the explosion Monday afternoon, said Fire Chief Bobby Williams. The cause of the pressure buildup and explosion was under investigation.

A search of the river and its banks was called off Monday evening, with authorities reluctantly concluding the missing man was most likely in the sewage tank at the Wastewater Treatment Plant northwest of the city. "Our hope would be that the individual would not be in the tank, but it's looking like that's the most likely probability," Williams said.

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As much as 200,000 gallons of sludge and wastewater spilled onto the parking lot, the river bank, and into the river, Williams said. Health officials issued a warning for people living downstream to avoid drawing drinking water from the river or using it to irrigate crops or for livestock use, for at least three days."

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