Firefighters, EMS and police responded about 7:15 p.m. to a fire at or near West Fertilizer, Inc. at West Fertilizer at 1471 Jerry Mashek Dr. just off Interstate 35. A short time later a huge explosion occurred at the West Fertilizer, Inc. plant. The massive explosion occurred at about 7:50 p.m.
Waco texas fertilizer plant explosion video – Raw footage 4-17-2013.
Nitrogen and grain dust is an explosion risk at the scene. There is concern of risk of a second explosion.
West, Texas is located between Waco and Dallas in northern Texas.
Residential neighborhood, apartment, nursing home and school located nearby.
Disaster has impacted an area nursing home with rumors of a possible collapse ad possible victims entrapped. Not confirmed — rescue personnel have been forced to retreat because of HazMat situation and risk of second explosion.
Press conference at midnight D.L. Wilson Department of Public Safety …
Over 100 injured injured; confirmed fatalities (unknown number).
All 133 people in a nursing home evacuated — injuries unknown.
Limestone, Bosque, Hillsboro, and others mutual aid.
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Glenn Robinson CEO of Hillcrest Hospital
Victims going to Hillcrest Hospital and Providence
Hundreds of physicians and nurses have arrived to volunteer to help.
Triage Center set up at football field.
INFORMATION HOTLINE: 254-202-1100
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George Smith EMS Doctor West Rest Haven …
One hundred people
Fatalities among EMS personnel and volunteer firefighters
50 homes heavily damaged
Explosion shattered windows for miles and blew doors off hinges.
HazMat: Smoke with hazardous chemicals preventing rescue.
Evacuation of area with first responders retreating because of risk of an explosion at a second tank.
Reports of a “3-mile Exclusion Zone”
Helicopters told to keep altitude of at least 3,000 feet because of risk of another explosion with blast that could crash any airborne helicopters.
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Tommy Muska, Mayor of West, Texas (also a member of the fire department) …
Estimate 60-80 homes have been flattened in a five mile radius.
House-by-house search and rescue underway at about 11:15 p.m.
Witness a huge mushroom cloud.
Cannot confirm loss of life among first responders.
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Cheryl Marak, wife of firefighter …
Husband so far is safe.
Explosion destroyed her house and killed two dogs inside her home.
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INFORMATION HOTLINE: 254-202-1100
Additional …
To check on injured residents admitted to Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center call (254) 202-1100
For family inquiries about patients at Scott & White call (888) 394-4947
Family inquiries about patients at Providence Health Center (254) 761-7200
Raw footage from the fertilizer plant explosion in Waco, Texas on Wednesday, April 17, 2013 — showing witnesses suffered hearing loss from the explosion.
The population of West, Texas is 2,674.