West Fertilizer Plant explosion facts for kids
Quick facts for kids West Fertilizer Plant explosion |
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Aftermath of the blasts
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| Location | West Fertilizer Co., 1471 Jerry Mashek Drive, West, Texas, United States |
| Coordinates | 31°48′58″N 97°05′17″W / 31.816°N 97.088°W |
| Date | April 17, 2013 7:50:38 p.m. CDT (UTC−05:00) |
| Deaths | 15 |
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Non-fatal injuries
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more than 160 |
The West Fertilizer Plant explosion was a very big accident that happened in West, Texas, a town near Waco. It occurred just before 7:50 p.m. on April 17, 2013. This powerful blast caused a lot of damage to many buildings and houses nearby.
Sadly, 15 people lost their lives, and more than 160 others were hurt. The explosion was caused by a chemical called ammonium nitrate. This chemical is often used in fertilizers to help plants grow. While we know what caused the explosion, the reason for the fire that started before it is still unknown.
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What Happened at the Plant?
The West Fertilizer Company plant stored chemicals used for farming. On the evening of April 17, 2013, a fire started at the plant. Firefighters from West and nearby towns quickly arrived to put out the blaze.
However, about 20 minutes after the fire began, a huge explosion rocked the area. The blast was so strong that it was felt many miles away. It was like a small earthquake.
What is Ammonium Nitrate?
Ammonium nitrate is a chemical compound. It is commonly used in agriculture as a fertilizer. This means it helps farmers grow healthy crops. It provides nitrogen, which is a key nutrient for plants.
While very useful for farming, ammonium nitrate can be dangerous under certain conditions. If it gets too hot or is stored improperly, it can explode. This is why it needs to be handled with great care.
Impact of the Explosion
The explosion had a devastating effect on the town of West. The force of the blast destroyed many buildings. Homes, schools, and a nursing home were heavily damaged or completely ruined.
Many people were injured by flying debris and the shockwave. Emergency services, including paramedics and doctors, rushed to help the victims. Hospitals in the area were quickly filled with injured people.
Community Response and Recovery
After the explosion, the community of West showed great strength. People from all over Texas and beyond offered help. Donations of food, clothing, and money poured in to support those affected.
Volunteers worked tirelessly to help clean up the damage. They also helped families who had lost their homes. The recovery process took a long time, but the town worked together to rebuild.
Investigations into the Cause
Several groups investigated the explosion. They wanted to find out exactly what happened and why. These groups included the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Their investigations looked into how the fire started and how the ammonium nitrate exploded. They also examined safety rules for storing such chemicals. The goal was to prevent similar accidents in the future.
See also
In Spanish: Explosión de la West Fertilizer Company para niños
