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Intentional fire linked to deadly 2013 West fertilizer plant blast
Federal investigators ruled the West Texas explosion a criminal act caused by arson or incendiary fire at the West Fertilizer Co. plant on April 17, 2013. Fifteen people died and hundreds were injured as ammonium nitrate ignited, destroying parts of West. No arrests yet. probe ongoing with focus on who caused the fire. The incident prompted safety reforms, improved fertilizer handling rules, and scrutiny of storage, ventilation, and emergency response at industrial sites.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
West, Texas
Texas
West Fertilizer Co
West
Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special
Robert Elder
Elder
ATF
U.S. Chemical Safety Board