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Texas explosion like a “nuclear bomb”

18/04 05:46 CET



An enormous explosion at a fertiliser plant in Texas has left an unknown number of people dead and scores injured.

The explosion, at the West Fertiliser plant 20 kilometres north of Waco, happened just before 8pm local time (0100 CET). Flaming debris ignited fires in the surrounding area and hundreds of glass doors, windows and vehicle windscreens were blown in.

The blast is said to have registered 2.1 on the Richter Scale. Eyetwitnesses have likened it to a “nuclear bomb” or even post-invasion Iraq or the scene in the wake of the Oklahoma bombing.

It is feared people may be trapped in collapsed or partially-collapsed buildings.

Officials say people have been killed but will not confirm numbers at this stage. Dozens have been injured.

There is no clue as yet as to the cause of the explosion, although it is understood quantities of ammoniac were stored at the site. The compound is extremely unstable if it comes into contact with water.

The concern is now that a toxic cloud may be forming in the lower atmosphere, which, given the prevailing winds, may move in the direction of the much-larger city of Waco itself.

http://www.euronews.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROrpKx3aIjA#ws


-news, video and images from euronews
http://www.euronews.com/2013/04/18/blast-at-waco-fertiliser-plant-hundreds-injured/

35 dead and more than 160 injured..