Big baada boom...

[Daniel Meyer]

Just south of the metroplex...

http://www.kwtx.com/home/headlines/Explosion-Injuries-Reported-At-West-Fertilizer-Plant-203505331.html

[Serk]

I rode through there just a few hours ago... Almost stopped for kolaches at the Czech Stop, but my saddle bags were already full so I didn't stop...

My aunt in Kaufman says she heard and felt it. She's 80 miles from West as the crow flies.

This isn't gonna be good.

[Serk]

I sure hope this is a high estimate, but the EMS director in West just said they're looking at 60-70 dead. This isn't good.

[RainMaker]

Drove thru about an hour after on I-35.  Didn't know about the explosion but highway was at a complete stop for a long time.

[YoungPUP]

Saw this on yahoo a few minutes ago as well. What is amazing to see is the list of places offering help down the left side of Daniels linked page. I doubt you'd see that up this way!  THoughts and prayers for all affected.

[Allan]

Yes, many thouhgts and prayers to West, Texas today!

[Serk]

Thankfully, I'm hearing the estimate of dead is down to 5-15 now... Still bad, but better than the earlier reports of 60-70.

And I gotta say this is SO rural Texas, in a good way. I'm watching a live press conference with a Waco Police Sergeant... And multiple cows can be heard loudly "Moo'ing" in the background.

[Allan]

I would like to go there some day.
My dream is driving on my fat girl and discover the real Texas 

[HayHauler]

My mom livres about 45 minutes away in a small town named Marlin.    She said she was in the shower and didn't hear or feel anything.  
Prayers to the families affected.

Hay
Jimmyt

[RainMaker]

Thankfully, I'm hearing the estimate of dead is down to 5-15 now... Still bad, but better than the earlier reports of 60-70.

And I gotta say this is SO rural Texas, in a good way. I'm watching a live press conference with a Waco Police Sergeant... And multiple cows can be heard loudly "Moo'ing" in the background.

They are in a cattle auction barn.  It so reminded me of a scene from Blazing Saddles.  Although, there is nothing funny about this situation.

As I was driving down to Austin and back last night (long story), oblivious to the disaster that had happened, I was listening to XM radio but noticed two satellite trucks and WBAP radio car heading pretty quickly down the road.  Between Hillsboro and Abbot, I was stopped 5 miles or so north of West and parked on the highway for a while with my fellow motorists.  Finally found an exit near Abbott, went down a dirt road for about 4 miles and came out on I-35 south of where the traffic was being forced off the highway and just north of West.  Got on I-35 and noted that cars were backed up for miles on the access road with no way to get back on the highway.  As I drove by, there were emergency vehicles coming from everywhere.  I was still passing them heading north as I drove south, all the way to Georgetown.  I flipped and headed back around midnight and there was only light traffic going north.  The signs were flashing to find alternate routes and I guess everyone else did except for me, but the road was clear because of that.  All the exits into West were blocked and you could see the lights of the ballfield as you passed on I-35.

Prayers for West and it's citizens are being raised from Arlington.

RM

[godfire]

I sure hope this is a high estimate, but the EMS director in West just said they're looking at 60-70 dead. This isn't good.

Looks like the initial estimate hit sadly too close.... prayers for all involved........

[MP]

60 still missing?  I sure hope they are at relatives, and have not checked it!     Man, I hope they are OK.

Had a Univ. Prof on this AM.  Said the plant had not told the local volunteer fire dept what was there, so they treated it wrong.

I tell you what.  There are 1000's of fert. places like this around the country.  Every town in farming country has one.

I guarantee you that in a town of about 3000, the local fire dept knew EXACTLY what was there, and how to fight it.  To say a small town in a rural are knows NOTHING about fertilizer, is a DUMB statement.

MP

[Hoser]

After 20 years as chief of my local volunteer fire department, along with 35 years in service at the Topeka Fire Department, I have found that you can't stop a firefighter from trying to "slay"  the dragon, as we refer to fires.  At least not the good ones.  Godspeed brothers  Hoser 

[Bandit]

Will be heading down to west on sunday with tools and loader to help.    Bandit

[Disco]

Will be heading down to west on sunday with tools and loader to help.

You, sir, are a good man.      Thank you for your generosity.      I'm proud to call you a friend.