Twelve victims have been confirmed dead from the blast at West Fertilizer Co. that occurred on Tuesday in West, Texas. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) reported that as of today, sixty people are still unaccounted for and authorities are searching area hospitals for the missing. Two-hundred injuries have been reported and fifty homes were destroyed in the blast.
Mayor Tommy Muska believes the number of casualties may rise. “We are still holding out some hope,” he said.
The blast has devastated the small town of West, leaving nearby homes and businesses leveled and a community torn apart. Authorities are actively investigating the origin of the blast and trying to find clues to indicate the possibility of foul play.
“This is still being treated as a crime scene,” said Sgt. Jason Reyes of West, Texas.
Krysta Loera is a writer and researcher with Ring of Fire.
