West, Texas – A major explosion occurred Wednesday night at a fertilizer plant in the city of West, near Hillsboro in north-central Texas – killing between five and 15 people and injuring at least 160 more. Three to four firefighters who were battling the fire that occurred before the explosion are unaccounted for.
Waco Police Spokesperson Sgt. William Patrick Swanton said a fire began Wednesday evening at the West Fertilizer plant. Fifty minutes later, an explosion was reported in a frantic radio call from the scene of the fire at the plant at 1471 Jerry Mashek Dr. just off Interstate 35. Authorities said there is no indication that the blast was anything but an accident.
EMT’s in the area said they saw broken glass everywhere, homes were on fire and the mood was chaotic.
Swanton said as of 8:30 a.m., search teams are still searching for people. He said many people were still trapped inside homes and businesses near the explosion. He said while driving through the debris, he saw windows blown out, bricks torn off buildings, and homes were leveled. He compared the scene as “tornadic in effect”and said “part of the communality is gone.”
There are also reports of people looting some of the empty homes that were evacuated right after the blast.
The mayor of West held a press conference at 5:30 a.m. “I ask for your prayers,” Mayor Tommy Mouska said.
There are reports of injuries and widespread building damage. Sky4 showed an apartment complex blown apart by the blast. According to Fox 4’s Dan Godwin, five to six blocks are leveled and 50 to 60 homes are damaged. Early morning rain helped put out hotspots but hindered rescue efforts.
Sky4 also showed fires still raging at part of the plant more than two hours after the initial explosion.
At 12 a.m., D.L. Wilson with Texas Department of Public Safety said gas companies are turning off gas to the areas where the explosion happened. He said with all the firefighters and EMS flowing into the town, no more help is needed at this time.
“First of all our hearts and prayers go out to the community out here in West. It’s a small farming community, with a Czech background,” said Wilson. “They’ve always opened their arms to everybody that passes through here on I-35 and McLennan County, Texas. Our hearts and prayers go out to them. This is an unbelievable tragedy that’s happened here tonight.”
At 11 p.m., Mayor Tommy Muska said the fires in town are under control. He said buildings within a five block radius were heavily damaged. Muska said that 133 people at a nearby nursing home all had to be evacuated. He said there is no official casualty count yet.
DPS Spokesman D.L. Wilson said Mayor Muska will speak again Thursday. He said there are confirmed fatalities, and a tremendous amount of people with injuries.
“I can tell you I was there I walked through the blast area, I searched some houses earlier tonight, massive. Just like Iraq. Just like the Murrah building in Oklahoma City,” said Wilson.
“We’re going to go back in and do another house by house search and see if any other victims are in the houses. That’s going to go on all night.”
“We’re worried about people right now, not property. We want people to be safe. That’s our main goal right now is getting the people safe and getting them out of there,” expressed Wilson.
Many of the injuries at the nursing home were from shards of glass. At least nine people with bad burn injuries were taken to Parkland hospital in Dallas.
Officials said immediate family members only can call 254-202-1100 looking for loved ones.
Crews from multiple fire and rescue departments are at the scene.
According to FOX 4’s Brandon Todd, as many as 30 people were taken away from scene in wheelchairs — many of them injured at a nearby nursing home.
A medical response/triage center was initially set up on the football field in West. In fear of a second blast, the triage center moved to a community center around 10:30 p.m.
Oncor’s reported more than 1,100 people were without power in the area.
Gov. Rick Perry released the following statement regarding the incident in West, Texas:
“We are monitoring developments and gathering information as details continue to emerge about this incident. 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.”
People felt the explosion as far as Red Oak, Ennis, Cleburne, Hillsboro and Waxahachie.
West ISD says all campuses are closed Thursday and Friday. Further announcements will be made this weekend.
A DPS spokesperson says 75 to 100 homes and businesses have been destroyed.
The FAA has placed temporary flight restrictions over the scene. Only emergency aircraft are allowed in the restricted 3 miles radius.
Red Cross is sending teams from Dallas/Fort Worth and Austin with supplies.
FOX4’s Brandon Todd said employees at a Dollar General Store said the lights went out in the store seconds before the explosion.
In relation to the popular Czech Stop Grocery & Deli shop where many folks stop to get kolaches and other snacks, the West Fertilizer is five minutes away.
Many hospitals near West will need blood donations. To donate, contact Carter BloodCare at their website and find a location nearest you. If you live in East Texas you are being asked to go to the nearest Carter Bloodcare to donate.
The U.S. Geological Survey said the fertilizer plant explosion in West, TX registered as a 2.1 magnitude earthquake.
Abbott High School has set up dozens of cots for people needing a place to stay.
Read more on the story at our television partner’s website www.myfoxhouston.com.
