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Dozens Feared Dead in TX Fertilizer Plant Explosion

Posted at 3:55 AM, Apr 18, 2013
and last updated 2013-04-18 03:55:41-04

WACO, Texas – An explosion at a fertilizer plant in the town of West, Texas has killed at least two people, wounded more than 150, and leveled dozens of homes.  It also prompted authorities to evacuate half their community of 2,800.

At this point, according to Reuters, an undetermined number of people have been killed, and the death toll is expected to rise as search teams make their way through the devastation.  According to officials on the scene, upwards of 60-70 people are feared dead.

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.  The plant that exploded was right next to an apartment complex, a nursing home, and a middle school.

The nursing home, with 133 residents, was quickly evacuated.

Video of the blast is below (warning: dramatic footage)