Second Federal Agency Probes Fatal Gas Leak at Maine Paper Mill

University of Maine student killed, 9 others injured in incident at Woodland Pulp facility

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Federal officials have launched a second investigation into a January gas leak at a Baileyville, Maine paper mill that killed a University of Maine student and injured nine other workers. The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board, an independent federal agency, announced its investigation into the incident at the Woodland Pulp facility, where initial information indicates the leak may have involved the mixing of concentrated sulfuric acid with sulfurous compounds.

Why it matters

This tragic incident at the Woodland Pulp mill raises serious concerns about chemical safety and emergency response procedures at industrial facilities. The investigations by the CSB and OSHA will aim to determine the root cause of the leak and identify any lapses in the mill's safety protocols that may have contributed to the loss of life and injuries.

The details

According to the CSB, the gas leak killed 20-year-old Kasie Malcolm, a UMaine engineering student, and injured 9 other workers, 2 of them seriously. One worker remains hospitalized nearly 2 weeks after the incident. The CSB said the leak may have involved the mixing of concentrated sulfuric acid with sulfurous compounds, resulting in the release of highly toxic hydrogen sulfide gas in the mill's Bleach Plant area.

  • The gas leak incident occurred in late January 2026.
  • The CSB announced its investigation on February 10, 2026.

The players

Woodland Pulp

The paper mill in Baileyville, Maine where the fatal gas leak incident took place.

Kasie Malcolm

A 20-year-old University of Maine engineering student who was killed in the gas leak incident.

U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB)

An independent federal agency that investigates chemical accidents and makes safety recommendations.

Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA)

The federal agency that has also launched an investigation into the Woodland Pulp gas leak incident.

Steve Owens

Chairperson of the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board.

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What they’re saying

“This terrible tragedy is deeply concerning. The CSB's investigation will seek to determine the cause of this deadly incident and what can be done to prevent something like this from happening again.”

— Steve Owens, Chairperson, U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB News Release)

What’s next

The CSB and OSHA investigations will continue to examine the circumstances of the chemical release, including Woodland Pulp's chemical handling practices, process safety systems, and emergency response procedures. The findings and recommendations from these investigations will be closely watched to see what can be done to improve safety and prevent future tragedies.

The takeaway

This devastating incident at the Woodland Pulp mill underscores the critical importance of robust chemical safety protocols and emergency preparedness at industrial facilities. The loss of a young life and serious injuries to workers highlight the need for rigorous oversight and continuous improvement in workplace safety to protect employees and the surrounding community.