UPDATE 10:05am - Authorities say that 5 to 15 people may have died in last night's massive explosion at the West Fertilizer Plant in West, Texas. Many more, perhaps more than 160, were injured.

Among the dead are two emergency medical services personnel and three firefighters, according to the city's emergency management system director, Dr. George Smith. Smith added that the number of dead could rise to 60 or 70, as the catastrophic damage is viewed and measured in the daylight.

Sergeant Patrick Swanton of the Waco Police Department answered questions at a press conference this morning. Some important points he made:

  • The fire is under control, but not out yet
  • Several firefighters are still missing
  • "Nothing at this point indicates we have had criminal activity, but we are not ruling that out," he said
  • Search-and-rescue operations continue, particularly for the firefighters who may be trapped inside the still-burning building

UPDATE 6:15am - USA Today is reporting 5 to 15 were killed in the explosion.

A massive explosion at a fertilizer plant in West, Texas has devastated the town north of Waco.  There are no official word on deaths, but sources estimate 60-70 people may have lost their life.

The explosion occurred Wednesday night at West Fertilizer Company.  According to media reports, a fire broke out at the complex and that was followed by the massive blast. The explosion was captured on camera by a man and his child who were recording the fire. This footage may be too intense for sensitive audiences, the explosion occurs at approximately 28 seconds into the video.


 Location of West Fertilizer

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