Photos: Explosion rocks Texas fertilizer plant
April 17, 2013
The remains of a fertilizer plant burn after an explosion at the plant in the town of West, near Waco, Texas early April 18, 2013. The deadly explosion ripped through the fertilizer plant late on Wednesday, injuring more than 100 people, leveling dozens of homes and damaging other buildings including a school and nursing home, authorities said. REUTERS/Mike Stone ( USA-EXPLOSION/TEXAS )
Firefighter conduct search and rescue the the blast zone destroyed by an explosion at a fertilizer plant in West, Texas, Thursday, April 18, 2013. A massive explosion at the West Fertilizer Co. killed as many as 15 people and injured more than 160, officials said overnight. (AP Photo/LM Otero) ( Plant Explosion Texas )
The remains of the the West Fertilizer Co. plant smolder in the rain on Thursday, April 18, 2013, in West, Texas. A massive explosion at the plant killed as many as 15 people and injured more than 160, officials said overnight. (AP Photo/Houston Chronicle, Smiley N. Pool) ( Plant Explosion Texas )
Firefighters conduct search and rescue of an apartment destroyed by an explosion at a fertilizer plant in West, Texas, Thursday, April 18, 2013. A massive explosion at the West Fertilizer Co. killed as many as 15 people and injured more than 160, officials said overnight. (AP Photo/LM Otero) ( APTOPIX Plant Explosion Texas )
The remains of a fertilizer plant sits destroyed after an explosion in West, Texas, Thursday, April 18, 2013. A massive explosion at the West Fertilizer Co. killed as many as 15 people and injured more than 160, officials said overnight. (AP Photo/LM Otero) ( Plant Explosion Texas )
The remains of a fertilizer plant burn after an explosion at the plant in the town of West, near Waco, Texas early April 18, 2013. The deadly explosion ripped through the fertilizer plant late on Wednesday, injuring more than 100 people, leveling dozens of homes and damaging other buildings including a school and nursing home, authorities said. REUTERS/Mike Stone ( USA-EXPLOSION/TEXAS )
Firefighters check a destroyed apartment complex near the fertilizer plant that exploded earlier in West, Texas, in this photo made early Thursday, April 18, 2013. (AP Photo/LM Otero) ( Plant Explosion Texas )
Blown out plate glass windows lay shattered on the sidewalk and street after the West Fertilizer Company exploded April 18, 2013 in West, Texas. A massive explosion at the fertilizer company injured more than 100 people and left damaged buildings for blocks in every direction. The death toll from the blast, which occured as firefighters were tackling a blaze, is as yet unknown. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) ( 166881877 )
A person looks on as emergency workers fight a house fire after a near by fertilizer plant exploded Wednesday, April 17, 2013, in West, Texas. (AP Photo/ Waco Tribune Herald, Rod Aydelotte) ( Plant Explosion Texas )
A victim from the West fertilizer plant explosion is wheeled into Hillcrest Baptist Medical Hospital in Waco, Texas, Wednesday, April 17, 2013. (AP Photo/Waco Tribune Herald, Jerry Larson) ( Plant Explosion Texas )
A fire still burns in a apartment complex destroyed near a fertilizer plant that exploded earlier in West, Texas, in this photo made early Thursday morning, April 18, 2013. (AP Photo/LM Otero) ( Plant Explosion Texas )
Firefighters use flashlights to search a destroyed apartment complex near a fertilizer plant that exploded earlier in West, Texas, in this photo made early Thursday morning, April 18, 2013. (AP Photo/LM Otero) ( Plant Explosion Texas )
In this Instagram photo provided by Andy Bartee, a plume of smoke rises from a fertilizer plant fire in West, Texas on Wednesday, April 17, 2013. An explosion at a fertilizer plant near Waco Wednesday night injured dozens of people and sent flames shooting high into the night sky, leaving the factory a smoldering ruin and causing major damage to surrounding buildings. (AP Photo/Andy Bartee) ( Plant Explosion-Texas )
A fire burns at a fertilizer plant in West, Texas after an explosion Wednesday April 17, 2013. (APMichael Ainsworth/The Dallas Morning News) ( Plant Explosion Texas )
An injured elderly person is assisted by two young males as a nursing home is evacuated after an explosion at a nearby fertilizer plant Wednesday, April 17, 2013, in West, Texas. (AP Photo/Waco Tribune Herald, Rod Aydelotte) ( Plant Explosion Texas )
A fire fighter searches a nursing home that was damaged after an explosion at a neary by fertilizer plant Wednesday, April 17, 2013, in West, Texas. (AP Photo/ Waco Tribune Herald, Rod Aydelotte) ( Plant Explosion Texas )
Rescue workers pass a damaged apartment complex after a nearby fertilizer plant exploded Wednesday, April 17, 2013, in West, Texas. (AP Photo/ Waco Tribune Herald, Rod Aydelotte) ( Plant Explosion Texas )
Emergency workers assist an elderly person at a staging area at a local school stadium Wednesday, April 17, 2013, in West, Texas. An explosion Wednesday night at a fertilizer plant near Waco sent flames shooting high into the night sky, leaving the factory a smoldering ruin, causing major damage at nearby buildings and injuring numerous people. (AP Photo/Waco Tribune Herald, Rod Aydelotte) ( Plant Explosion Texas )
Elderly persons from a nearby nursing home are triaged in a parking lot before being moved to a school stadium following a fertilizer plant explosion Wednesday, April 17, 2013, in West, Texas. The explosion near Waco Wednesday night injured dozens of people and sent flames shooting high into the night sky, leaving the factory a smoldering ruin and causing major damage to surrounding buildings. (AP Photo/Waco Tribune Herald, Rod Aydelotte) ( Plant Explosion Texas )
An elderly person is assisted at a staging area at a local school stadium following an explosion at a fertilizer plant Wednesday, April 17, 2013, in West, Texas. An explosion at a fertilizer plant near Waco caused numerous injuries and sent flames shooting high into the night sky on Wednesday. (AP Photo/ Waco Tribune Herald, Rod Aydelotte) ( Plant Explosion Texas )
Emergency workers evacuate elderly from a damaged nursing home following an explosion at a fertilizer plant Wednesday, April 17, 2013, in West, Texas. An explosion at a fertilizer plant near Waco caused numerous injuries and sent flames shooting high into the night sky on Wednesday. (AP Photo/ Waco Tribune Herald, Rod Aydelotte) ( Plant Explosion Texas )
Persons are seen pushing wheel chairs in front of a damaged nursing home following an explosion at a nearby fertilizer plant Wednesday, April 17, 2013, in West, Texas. An explosion at a fertilizer plant near Waco caused numerous injuries and sent flames shooting high into the night sky on Wednesday.(AP Photo/ Waco Tribune Herald, Rod Aydelotte) ( Plant Explosion Texas )
A fire burns at a fertilizer plant in West, Texas after an explosion Wednesday April 17, 2013 (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth/The Dallas Morning News) ( Plant Explosion Texas )
An emergency worker walks through damaged apartment building following a fertilizer plant explosion Wednesday, April 17, 2013, in West, Texas. An explosion at a fertilizer plant near Waco Wednesday night injured dozens of people and sent flames shooting high into the night sky, leaving the factory a smoldering ruin and causing major damage to surrounding buildings. (AP Photo/ Waco Tribune Herald, Rod Aydelotte) ( Plant Explosion Texas )
A column of smoke rises after an explosion at a fertilizer plant north of Waco, Texas April 17, 2013. Police are reporting a large explosion at a fertilizer plant in the town of West, Texas. Local police scanner traffic reports multiple structures on fire with many people trapped, according to news reports. REUTERS/Joe Berti/Twitter ( USA/ )
The remains of a home burn early Thursday morning, April 18, 2013, after a fertilizer plant exploded Wednesday night in West, Texas. The massive explosion killed as many as 15 people and injured more than 160, shaking the ground with the strength of a small earthquake and leveling homes and businesses for blocks in every direction. (AP Photo/LM Otero) ( APTOPIX Plant Explosion Texas )
Smoke rises as water is sprayed at the burning remains of a fertilizer plant after an explosion at the plant in the town of West, near Waco, Texas early April 18, 2013. The deadly explosion ripped through the fertilizer plant late on Wednesday, injuring more than 100 people, leveling dozens of homes and damaging other buildings including a school and nursing home, authorities said. REUTERS/Mike Stone ( USA-EXPLOSION/TEXAS )
A fire burns in a apartment complex destroyed near a fertilizer plant that exploded earlier in West, Texas, in this photo made early Thursday morning, April 18, 2013. (AP Photo/LM Otero) ( Plant Explosion Texas )
Baylor University student's hold a candle light vigil outside Waco Hall for the victim's of the West fertilizer plant explosion, Wednesday, April 17, 2013. (AP Photo/Waco Tribune Herald, Jerry Larson) ( Plant Explosion Texas )
WEST, TX - APRIL 18: Blown out plate glass windows lay shattered on the sidewalk and street after the West Fertilizer Company exploded April 18, 2013 in West, Texas. A massive explosion at the fertilizer company injured more than 100 people and left damaged buildings for blocks in every direction. The death toll from the blast, which occured as firefighters were tackling a blaze, is as yet unknown. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) ( 74240624 )
WEST, TX - APRIL 18: Shattered galss covers items in the front of a thrift show after the West Fertilizer Company exploded April 18, 2013 in West, Texas. A massive explosion at the fertilizer company injured more than 100 people and left damaged buildings for blocks in every direction. The death toll from the blast, which occured as firefighters were tackling a blaze, is as yet unknown. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) ( 74240666 )
A firefighter pauses while surveying the blast zone destroyed by an explosion at a fertilizer plant during search and rescue efforts in West, Texas, Thursday, April 18, 2013. A massive explosion at the West Fertilizer Co. killed as many as 15 people and injured more than 160, officials said overnight. (AP Photo/LM Otero) ( Plant Explosion Texas )
WEST, TX - APRIL 18: The West Fertilizer Company, shown from the air, lies in ruins on April 18, 2013 in West, Texas. According to West Mayor Tommy Muska, around 14 people, including 10 first responders, were killed and more than 150 people were injured when the fertilizer company caught fire and exploded yesterday, leaving damaged buildings for blocks in every direction. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) ( 74250737 )
WEST, TX - APRIL 18: An explosion yesterday at the West Fertilizer Company destroyed the West Intermediate School a block away, shown from the air on April 18, 2013 in West, Texas. According to West Mayor Tommy Muska, around 14 people, including 10 first responders, were killed and more than 150 people were injured when the fertilizer company caught fire and exploded, leaving damaged buildings for blocks in every direction. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) ( 74250735 )
WEST, TX - APRIL 18: An explosion yesterday at the West Fertilizer Company destroyed this playground across the street, shown from the air on April 18, 2013 in West, Texas. According to West Mayor Tommy Muska, around 14 people, including 10 first responders, were killed and more than 150 people were injured when the fertilizer company caught fire and exploded, leaving damaged buildings for blocks in every direction. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) ( 74250745 )
WEST, TX - APRIL 18: Playground equipment and a shed damaged by an explosion Wednesday at the West Fertilizer Company shown from the air on April 18, 2013 in West, Texas. According to West Mayor Tommy Muska, around 14 people, including 10 first responders, were killed and more than 150 people were injured when the fertilizer company caught fire and exploded, leaving damaged buildings for blocks in every direction. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) ( 74250709 )
WEST, TX - APRIL 18: An emergency repair team inspects the damaged railroad tracks that ran next to the West Fertilizer Company, which was destroyed by an explosion a day earlier on April 18, 2013 in West, Texas. According to West Mayor Tommy Muska, around 14 people, including 10 first responders, were killed and more than 150 people were injured when the fertilizer company caught fire and exploded, leaving damaged buildings for blocks in every direction. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) ( 74250764 )
WEST, TX - APRIL 18: The West Fertilizer Company, shown from the air, lies in ruins on April 18, 2013 in West, Texas. According to West Mayor Tommy Muska, around 14 people, including 10 first responders, were killed and more than 150 people were injured when the fertilizer company caught fire and exploded yesterday, leaving damaged buildings for blocks in every direction. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) ( 74250661 )
WEST, TX - APRIL 18: One of the numerous homes damaged by an explosion yesterday at the West Fertilizer Company is shown from the air on April 18, 2013 in West, Texas. According to West Mayor Tommy Muska, around 14 people, including 10 first responders, were killed and more than 150 people were injured when the fertilizer company caught fire and exploded, leaving damaged buildings for blocks in every direction. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) ( 74250698 )
WEST, TX - APRIL 18: Search and rescue workers comb through what remains of a 50-unit apartment building the day after an explosion at the West Fertilizer Company destroyed the building April 18, 2013 in West, Texas. According to West Mayor Tommy Muska, around 35 people, including 10 first responders, were killed and more than 150 people were injured when the fertilizer company caught fire and exploded, leaving damaged buildings for blocks in every direction. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) ( 74250725 )
WEST, TX - APRIL 18: A home burned to the ground by an explosion yesterday at the West Fertilizer Company is seen from the air April 18, 2013 in West, Texas. According to West Mayor Tommy Muska, around 14 people, including 10 first responders, were killed and more than 150 people were injured when the fertilizer company caught fire and exploded, leaving damaged buildings for blocks in every direction. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) ( 74250659 )
WEST, TX - APRIL 18: A destroyed fire truck sits among piles of rubble where an explosion at the West Fertilizer Company leveled the business a day earlier April 18, 2013 in West, Texas. According to West Mayor Tommy Muska, around 35 people, including 10 first responders, were killed and more than 150 people were injured when the fertilizer company caught fire and exploded, leaving damaged buildings for blocks in every direction. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) ( 74250467 )
WEST, TX - APRIL 18: Search and rescue workers comb through what remains of a 50-unit apartment building the day after an explosion at the West Fertilizer Company destroyed the building April 18, 2013 in West, Texas. According to West Mayor Tommy Muska, around 35 people, including 10 first responders, were killed and more than 150 people were injured when the fertilizer company caught fire and exploded, leaving damaged buildings for blocks in every direction. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) ( 74250451 )
WEST, TX - APRIL 18: Hewitt, Texas police officer Mike Zahirniak (R) comforts his son, Coy Zahirniak, 9, outside the West Community Center the day after the West Fertilizer Company explosion April 18, 2013 in West, Texas. Coy alerted his family to the fire across the street from his grandfather Willie Zahirniak's home and the plant exploded as they evacuated. The home was destroyed and Coy has been credited for saving his family from harm. The fertilizer company caught fire and exploded, killing more than five people, injuring more than 160 people and leaving damaged buildings for blocks in every direction. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) ( 74247488 )
WEST, TX - APRIL 18: A giant hole in the ceiling of the West High School gymnasium shows where an explosion at the West Fertilizer Company a day earlier launched debris through the roof April 18, 2013 in West, Texas. According to West Mayor Tommy Muska, around 35 people, including 10 first responders, were killed and more than 150 people were injured when the fertilizer company caught fire and exploded, leaving damaged buildings for blocks in every direction. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) ( 74250480 )
WEST, TX - APRIL 18: A destroyed fire truck sits among piles of rubble where an explosion at the West Fertilizer Company leveled the business a day earlier April 18, 2013 in West, Texas. According to West Mayor Tommy Muska, around 35 people, including 10 first responders, were killed and more than 150 people were injured when the fertilizer company caught fire and exploded, leaving damaged buildings for blocks in every direction. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) ( 74250468 )
WEST, TX - APRIL 18: The remains of an apartment complex next to the fertilizer plant that exploded yesterday afternoon on April 18, 2013 in West, Texas. According to West Mayor Tommy Muska, around 14 people, including 10 first responders, were killed and more than 150 people were injured when the fertilizer company caught fire and exploded, leaving damaged buildings for blocks in every direction. (Photo by Erich Schlegel/Getty Images) ( 74253295 )
WEST, TX - APRIL 18: West High School senior students (L-R) Brittany Singh, Kelsey Hoelscher, Ashton Uptmor and Nicole Hutyra pray for the victims and survivors the day after the West Fertilizer Company explosion April 18, 2013 in West, Texas. Hoelscher's uncles, Bob and Doug Snokhous, were volunteer fire fighters who are presumed dead after the fertilizer company caught fire and exploded, injuring more than 160 people and leaving damaged buildings for blocks in every direction. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) ( 74247373 )
WEST, TX - APRIL 18: West native and Texas A&M theater teacher Justin A. Miller helps distribute donated bottles of water outside the West Community Center the day after the West Fertilizer Company explosion April 18, 2013 in West, Texas. The fertilizer company caught fire and exploded, killing more than five people, injuring more than 160 people and leaving damaged buildings for blocks in every direction. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) ( 74247363 )
WEST, TX - APRIL 18: Volunteers gather and transport donated bedding outside the West Community Center the day after the West Fertilizer Company explosion April 18, 2013 in West, Texas. The fertilizer company caught fire and exploded, killing more than five people, injuring more than 160 people and leaving damaged buildings for blocks in every direction. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) ( 74247360 )
WEST, TX - APRIL 18: Residents gather outside the West Community Center to pray for the victims and survivors the day after the West Fertilizer Company explosion April 18, 2013 in West, Texas. The fertilizer company caught fire and exploded, killing more than five people, injuring more than 160 people and leaving damaged buildings for blocks in every direction. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) ( 74247309 )
WEST, TX - APRIL 18: West High School senior students Kelsey Hoelscher (C) and Heather Perry (R) embrace after praying for the victims and survivors the day after the West Fertilizer Company explosion April 18, 2013 in West, Texas. Hoelscher's uncles, Bob Snokhous and Doug Snokhous, were volunteer fire fighters who are presumed dead after the fertilizer company caught fire and exploded, injuring more than 160 people and leaving damaged buildings for blocks in every direction. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) *** BESTPIX *** ( 166909969 )
WEST, TX - APRIL 18: West High School senior Mackenzie Wernet (C) is embraced by fellow students and friends after praying for the victims and survivors the day after the West Fertilizer Company explosion April 18, 2013 in West, Texas. Wernet's home was destroyed when the fertilizer company caught fire and exploded, injuring more than 160 people and leaving damaged buildings for blocks in every direction. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) ( 74247156 )
Mourners attend a service at St. Mary's Church of the Assumption Thursday, April 18, 2013, a day after an explosion at a fertilizer plant in West, Texas. The massive explosion at the West Fertilizer Co. Wednesday night killed as many as 15 people and injured more than 160. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) ( Plant Explosion Texas )
Mourners attend a service at St. Mary's Church of the Assumption Thursday, April 18, 2013, a day after an explosion at a fertilizer plant in West, Texas. The massive explosion at the West Fertilizer Co. Wednesday night killed as many as 15 people and injured more than 160. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) ( Plant Explosion Texas )
An explosion at the West Fertilizer Co. plant in West, Texas, is pictured in this still image obtained from a April 17, 2013 amateur video obtained by NBC. The explosion at the plant on the evening of April 17 injured more than 160 people, and prompted the evacuation of half the town. REUTERS/NBC/KWKT/KETK/Handout ( USA-EXPLOSION/TEXAS )
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