Texas Fertilizer Plant Explodes, Many Casualties




(West, Texas) Shortly before 8PM local time, the West Fertilizer Co. plant exploded, injuring at least 200 people and destroying dozens of homes and businesses. Reportedly, 40 people have critical injuries.

A fire had broken out earlier at the fertilizer plant, and the explosion occurred while firefighters were trying to put it out. Firefighters were said to be among the injured.

“It was a small fire and then water got sprayed the ammonia nitrate, and it exploded just like the Oklahoma City bomb,” said Jason Shelton, a clerk at the Czech Best Western Hotel in West, according to a Dallas Morning News report.

Cause of the explosion is not known at present.