Around 8 p.m. last night a Texas fertilizer plant exploded in West, Texas. The explosion has injured at least 160 people and killed five to 15 people. Officials say three to four firefighters are currently missing as well, according to CNN.
The original problem was a fire at the plant that erupted into the explosion. Although the rain in the area helped slightly with the flames, the winds made it difficult for firefighters to keep the fire down.
The blast destroyed nearby homes and buildings and responders are attempting to go through the debris to determine if any people are trapped.
“We’ve got a lot of people who are hurt, and there’s a lot of people, I’m sure, who aren’t gonna be here tomorrow. We’re gonna search for everybody. We’re gonna make sure everybody’s accounted for. That’s the most important thing right now,” West Mayor Tommy Muska said, according to a CNN report.
A nursing home that housed 133 residents was struck by the blast and had to evacuate. Within five blocks, 50 to 60 homes were effected. CNN also said that according to the United States Geological Survey, the explosion was a 2.1-magnitude seismic event, reaching houses 50 miles away.
Right now, there is no evidence to attach this to terrorism. Waco Police Sgt. William Patrick Swanton said that it looks that the explosion is an industrial accident, CBS News reported.
All gas in the plant has been turned off, but another explosion is still a concern.
The Federal Aviation Administration has put flight restrictions over the town, roads are blocked, the middle school in the vicinity is closed and responders evacuated the area as quickly as possible last night and this morning, according to CNN.