A massive explosion at a fertilizer plant in central Texas on Wednesday left more than 160 people wounded and killed an estimated five to 15 people, officials said, likely including firefighters who were battling the blaze at the factory that triggered the explosion, reported by the Washington Post.
The explosion took place within 20 miles north of Waco, just two days after a dual bombing near the finish line of the Boston Marathon. As of Thursday morning, there was no indication that the fire was anything other than an industrial accident, but said they examining all the possibilities.
'There are homes leveled. There are businesses leveled. There is massive devastation in the downtown West business area."
At least three to five who were in the vicinity of the blast were initially unaccounted for, although one of them was later located at an area hospital.
West Mayor Tommy Muska reported that 50 to 60 homes within a five-block radius of the factory were heavily damaged.
Officials indicated that it was too early to say how the fire that triggered the blast had been set. Teams of investigators have sent in teams to assist local authorities.
"Nothing at this point indicates that this was anything other than an accidental fire. But we are not ruling anything out," said Swanton. "Until we know that it was an industrial accident, we will investigate it as a crime scene."
In a statement issued by the White House, President Obama offered whatever federal assistance is needed "to make sure there are no unmet needs as search and rescue and response operations continue.""Today our prayers go out to the people of West, Texas," Obama said. "A tight-knit community has been shaken, and good, hard-working people have lost their lives."
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