Hunt for survivors after 15 killed in blast at Texas fertiliser plant
More than 160 people treated for injuries as hunt for survivors continues amid fears that toxic fumes could settle over small Texas town
The search continued yesterday for survivors of a huge explosion that tore through a fertiliser plant in a small central Texas town on Wednesday night.
At least 15 people died and more than 160 were injured in the blast, which destroyed buildings and created a potential threat of toxic fumes settling over the area.
Smoke and an acrid smell of burning lingered in the air hours after the blast in the small town of West.
The tragic incident began with a smaller fire at the plant, the West Fertiliser Co, just off a highway about 32 kilometres north of Waco that was attended by local volunteer firefighters.
"The fire spread and hit some tanks that contain chemicals to treat the fertiliser," local congressman Bill Flores said. "There was an explosion which caused wide damage."