A massive explosion at a fertility facility in central Texas Wednesday night has left more than 160 people injured and has caused between five and 15 deaths, according to officials. Officials are still assessing the damage that ripped through West, Texas, located about 20 miles north of Waco.[1]
The explosion at the fertility facility leveled dozens of homes and wreaked havoc on nearby buildings, including a school, a nursing home and an apartment complex. Rescue crews continue to search through the smoldering remains.
Among those expected to be dead are a handful of first responders, including volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers who have been reported as missing.
Residents in the community of West are being evacuated due to concerns that another tank at the facility may explode, CNN reports.[2]
So far, more than 60 patients are being treated at Hillcrest Hospital in Waco for blast injuries and lacerations, hospital CEO Glenn Robinson told CNN. Injuries range from minor to very serious.
A number of helicopters are being used to transport injured persons to nearby hospitals.
Texas Governor Rick Perry told reporters that he is aware of the situation and is working on getting resources into the area. All people are being evacuated to make sure they are a safe distance away in case there is another explosion. According to reports, there is one fertilizer tank that is still intact that may cause another explosion.
Another concern is anhydrous ammonia, which is a type of fertilizer that gives off suffocating fumes.
Witnesses to the explosion said there was a huge fireball and a plume of smoke that rose high into the air at the time of the explosion.
“It was like a bomb went off,” Barry Murry, a resident who lives about a mile away from the plant, told CNN. “There were emergency vehicles everywhere. It has been overwhelming.”
Officials are investigating the cause of the accident. As of now, it appears that the fatal explosion was an industrial accident, however, Waco police Sgt. Patrick Swanson said until they are certain that it was an industrial accident, they will continue to treat the area as a crime scene.
The initial fire was reported at 7:29 p.m. The first report of an explosion occurred at 7:53 p.m.
The personal injury and wrongful death attorneys at Flood Law Group extend their heartfelt condolences to the individuals and families affected by the horrific explosion in Texas. The attorneys at the firm represent persons injured in industrial accidents.
