First victim of Washington chemical tank implosion revealed — as nine others remain missing

The first victim in the Washington state paper mill explosion has been identified.

Gilbert Bernal was killed when the 900,000 gallon vat of a chemical mixture called “white liquor” imploded, his family told ABC News.

Bernal is one of several people injured, missing or killed after the implosion.

Gilbert Bernal was killed when the 900,000 gallon vat of a chemical mixture called “white liquor” imploded, his family told ABC News. REUTERS

A family friend who set up a GoFundMe called Bernal “one of the best people I have ever met.”

“He was a Godly man in every sense of the word,” the website reads. “All the funds raised will be used for funeral expenses and other needs for the family.”

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