The explosion of a fertilizer plant in the small town of West, near Waco, killed anywhere from 8-40 people (the actual death toll is still awaiting confirmation), injured nearly 200 others, and destroyed or caused extensive damage to 75+ buildings. The explosion was felt in Waxahachie, a distance of 40-ish miles, and was heard in Dallas, 70-ish miles north.

Early reports said 60-70 people had died. This probably isn't true, though as always the number of deaths may increase. If it had the ability to rattle buildings 40 miles north, its hard to imagine how it was in West itself. My heart goes out to those people and I hope, and pray, there'll be no more deaths resulting from this.

http://www.dallasnews.com/news/local-news/20130417-cleanup-begins-search-for-survivors-continues-after-massive-fertilizer-plant-explosion-in-west.ece

-------------

Update 6:30PM (16:30) 18/4 - The mayor of West actually stated that the death toll may rise to 40. This hasn't been confirmed or denied by the Texas DPS.

60-70 dead? That's a tragic situation for sure, especially after the Boston explosion. My heart goes out to all of the victims of the incident.

I've been through West before (my brother was stationed at Fort Hood a few years back). Not a huge town.

Sad tragedy.

Thanks for reporting this Josh
I pray that the death toll is not too bad..

Our hearts go out to those poor people.