There was an explosion in a fertilizer plant, Texas, like a ‘Nuclear Bomb’ as an Eyewitness described it.
Hundreds were injured in the blast, which could be heard 45 miles away and flattened nearby buildings. Two people are reported killed.
Reports claimed as many as 70 may have died in the blast, dismissed as “a guess” by local officers.
“It could go up by the minute,” Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Dean Wilson told a press conference.
McLennan County Sheriff Parnell McNamara said: “It’s a lot of devastation. I’ve never seen anything like this. It looks like a war zone with all the debris,” the BBC reported.
The fire spread to a nursing home and a school. Glenn Robinson, chief executive of Hillcrest Baptist Medical Centre in the town of Waco, told CNN his hospital had treated 66 people, including 38 who were seriously hurt with blast injuries and lacerations.
Victims suffered mostly from cuts, broken bones and other injuries expected from flying debris, he said. Many had been treated and released, the Waco Tribune reported.
Around nine victims have been transferred to a specialist burns unit in Dallas, and two children have been sent to a children’s hospital in Temple….
CNN Report.
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A massive explosion at a fertilizer plant on the edge of the town killed an estimated five to 15 people, wounded more than 160, leveled dozens of homes and prompted authorities to evacuate half their community of 2,800.
“It was like a nuclear bomb went off,” Muska said. “Big old mushroom cloud.”
The Wednesday night blast shook houses 50 miles away and measured as a 2.1-magnitude seismic event, according to the United States Geological Survey.
Officials offered differing figures for the death toll, with Sgt. William Patrick Swanton of the nearby Waco Police Department saying between five and 15 people had died.
But fire officials fear that the number of casualties could rise as high as 60 to 70 dead, said Dr. George Smith, the emergency management system director of the city.”
Below are emergency resources compiled by KTVT-TV and WFAA.com.
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
The Extraco Events Center will be setting up to take donations starting tomorrow at 9:00 am. For information call (254) 776-1660
Carter Blood Care Center will accept donations beginning at 9 a.m. Thursday in Waco. Find more locations here.
First Baptist Church of Lott has room for anyone needing a place to stay. Call (254) 829-2321
American Red Cross crews from across Texas were sent to the site of an explosion at a fertilizer plant near Waco where multiple injuries have been reported. To donate blood – find a location near you.
Both Peas & Tots and Smarty Pants consignment stores in Waco are accepting clothing donations in all sizes for those in West
Evacuation Locations
– Valley Mills Nursing Home has rooms available for nursing home residents if placement is needed for any of the West Nursing home residents. Call (254) 932-6288.
– Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish at 219 W. Magnolia Street, Penelope, TX 76676 can handle 100 families.
– Ben’s Boat Repair in Elm Mott has space avaliable for pets and a few people, 435 S. McLennan Loop, (254) 716-9593
– First Baptist Church of Lott has room for anyone needing a place to stay. Call (254) 829-2321. (KWTX News 10)
– Blair’s Cove Apts in Waco is offering housing to any resident affected by #Westexplosion 2425 S. 21 Street (254) 447-0810
– Evacuees were told to go to the Community Center in Abbott, Texas, about five miles north of West, Texas.
– Church of the Open Door will be opened for survivors. They are located off of exit 339 in Bellmead. (News Channel 25)
– Home Depot in Bellmead is open all night for assistance. (News Channel 25)
– All Gholson ISD schools have been opened to be used as shelters.
– Penelope High School has been opened for survivors.
– Central United Methodist Church
– Texas State Technical State College in Waco
– Latham Springs Camp and Retreat Center (254) 694-3689
– Alliance Auto Auction on I-35
– Sykora Family Ford in West
– Gholson Baptist Church
– La Vega Veterinary Clinic – taking in small animals for the night
– Pharmacy at HEB Store on Woodway
– Antioch Community church at 501 North 20th Street in Waco
Click here for more from KTVT-TV.
Click here for more from WFAA.com.
Input from.Huffpost,Fox News, ABC News.
Related articles
- West Texas Emergency Resources (dfw.cbslocal.com)