USA: Explosion at Texas fertiliser plant

A number of people are feared to have been killed and many are believed to be injured after an explosion near Waco

By Nicole Hamer |

13:14 18 April 2013

A number of people are thought to have lost their lives due to an explosion at a fertiliser plant in the town of West, Texas, with many people being injured according to reports. As of time of writing the facts are unclear.

 

The blast reportedly happened shortly before 8pm local time on Wednesday, 17^th April. Many buildings in the town of West were affected by the explosion at the plant, including many homes.

 

As reported by The Independent, at least 1,000 citizens experienced a lack of power.

 

A cloud of smoke was visible quite high in the sky, and emergency services attended the scene.

 

Parnell McNamara, the McLennan County Sheriff, explained that the area looked “like a war zone with all the debris” as a result of the explosion.

 

DL Wilson, of the Texas Department of Public Safety, told the press on Wednesday night that he was unable to comment on the death toll.

 

The Texas Governor Rick Perry said in a statement: “We have also mobilized state resources to help local authorities. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of West, and the first responders on the scene.”

 

The town of West is approximately 20 miles above Waco. The city of Waco lies on the Brazos River. Texas, one of the larger states in the US, is situated south of Oklahoma and New Mexico.