Here’s a gif of the explosion, according to Buzzfeed News:
An explosion at a fertilizer plant in the town of West near Waco, Texas has led to multiple casualties and injuries. According to the Wall Street Journal, five to 15 people are dead in Texas after the West Fertilizer Co. plant exploded.
Governor Rick Perry released a statement. Here’s the full text below:
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.
If you were on the scene and have photos, videos, or first-hand reports, email me at ian@heavy.com
1. The Explosion happened at 7:50 p.m.
According to KWTX:
The explosion was reported at around 7:50 p.m. in a frantic radio call from the scene of the fire at West Fertilizer at 1471 Jerry Mashek Dr. just off Interstate 35.
2. There are a Number of Injuries
Numerous injuries were reported as a result of the explosion that destroyed several nearby buildings including a nearby nursing home that was damaged. Multiple ambulances rushed to the scene. The exact number of deaths and injured was not immediately known, but the latest reports say the death toll is between five and 15 people with over 160 injured.
West, TX Explosion *UPDATE – Exact number of injured is not clear at this time. Just know its a lot people.
— DFW Scanner (@DFWscanner) April 18, 2013
3. There are People Trapped in the Explosion
Here’s a map we made to give you some perspective on the different locations impacted by the explosion in West. twitpic.com/ck4dra
— Pete Delkus (@wfaaweather) April 18, 2013
People have been reported to be trapped in the nursing home as well as a nearby apartment building. Emergency medical crews have been working diligently overnight to get everyone out.
4. The Entire Town has been ordered to Evacuate
The entire town of West, Texas, has been ordered to evacuate their homes. Officials are predicting the fire and toxic gasses to spread throughout the town.
5. There have been dozens of Photos from Twitter
The scene at West, Texas, looks grim, judging from the photos people are tweeting from the area.
