Fertilizer plant explodes near Waco, Texas, injuring dozens
A large explosion rocked a small community near Waco, Texas, Wednesday night, triggering a raging fire and dozens of injuries.
The Waco Tribune reported that several firefighters were hurt after a fertilizer plant exploded in the town of West, Texas.
Glenn Robinson, chief executive of Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center in Waco, told CNN that about 40 people had been brought to the hospital with injuries, some serious.
Officials were setting up a trauma center at the West Community Center.
Gov. Rick Perry put out the following statement: “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.”
Local reporters and witnesses in the area were tweeting about the blast:
Big explosion in West Texas, going to see if we can help — Robert Pryor (@RobertPryor) April 18, 2013
Glass blown out of many houses and businesses, I can see fires — Robert Pryor (@RobertPryor) April 18, 2013
We can’t get through to help, they fear another explosion, making people evacuate — Robert Pryor (@RobertPryor) April 18, 2013
Friend got his arm cut by glass in explosion, he is on the way to hospital,going by to get his pets — Robert Pryor (@RobertPryor) April 18, 2013
People from the nursing home are being evacuated in the back of people’s trucks — Robert Pryor (@RobertPryor) April 18, 2013
At friends house, installation from the attic blown to the floor — Robert Pryor (@RobertPryor) April 18, 2013
At the local church where they are taking people from the nursing home — Robert Pryor (@RobertPryor) April 18, 2013
A lot of confusion and chaos — Robert Pryor (@RobertPryor) April 18, 2013
On the radio: “I think, right now, it’s a free-for-all. If you see something, treat it.” — Kirsten Crow (@kirstencrow) April 18, 2013
The Rest Haven nursing home has been damaged. 150 survivors have been sent to the West community center. — NewsChannel 25 (@NewsChannel25) April 18, 2013
Mrs. Kwast and her family lost their home in the blast and made it out with only the clothes they were wearing. Need our help. #West #RHS — Jon Wood (@nelliecruze) April 18, 2013
More of the off duty staff and volunteers are showing up. Another ambulance just pulled in right now. #HillcrestHospital — Nichole Perez (@NicholeKWTX) April 18, 2013
West explosion: one woman severely burned on the face. Victims arriving in several vehicles. Tent set up at Hillcrest for triage. — Amy Starnes (@AmyStarnes) April 18, 2013
One dozen by ambulance..more than 20 by private vehicle delivered to scott and white...more coming #nc25 — Lee Small (@leesmall1) April 18, 2013
Haven’t seen an ambulance arrive for a few minutes but multiple vehicles are dropping off some of the injured here at Hillcrest. — Nichole Perez (@NicholeKWTX) April 18, 2013
Another chemical tank now on fire at the #fertilizer #explosion, fire dispatch advising crews to pull back, according to scanner. @thepeah — Jason Whitely (@JasonWhitely) April 18, 2013
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