The explosion occurred after a fire broke out in the plant. Investigators from the Texas Department of Insurance and State Fire Marshall’s Office concluded ammonium nitrate was the cause of the explosion.

What caused the fertilizer plant explosion?

The explosion occurred after a fire broke out in the plant. Investigators from the Texas Department of Insurance and State Fire Marshall’s Office concluded ammonium nitrate was the cause of the explosion.

How long did the West Texas fertilizer explosion last?

Fifteen people were killed, more than 160 were injured, and more than 150 buildings were damaged or destroyed. Investigators confirmed that ammonium nitrate was the material that exploded….West Fertilizer Company explosion.

Can a fertilizer plant explode?

If exposed to intense heat, ammonium nitrate can trigger an explosion. Fumes from ammonium nitrate can also be an irritant, fire officials said. “We can’t stress enough how important it is and how seriously people need to take this. If you are within a mile of the plant, you need to leave,”Mayo said.

How many people died in the fertilizer plant explosion?

15
On April 17, 2013, the West Fertilizer Company’s storage and distribution facility exploded, killing 15 and injuring more than 150. The blast leveled city blocks and left a crater 93 feet wide and 12 feet deep. The people of West have been rebuilding ever since. On Saturday, the long-awaited memorial was unveiled.

How many people died in the West Texas fertilizer explosion?

15 dead
WEST, Texas — Eight years after a massive explosion leveled portions of a central Texas town, left 15 dead and injured hundreds, the investigation into who was responsible remains open.

How many tons of ammonium nitrate exploded in West Texas?

At least 135 people have died and another 5,000 were hurt after about 2,700 tons of ammonium nitrate ignited inside a warehouse near the port.

Is ammonium nitrate flammable?

Although it is not technically classified as an explosive or flammable material, under certain conditions, ammonium nitrate can present a significant explosive threat because it is an oxidizer — an oxygen-rich compound that can accelerate fires or explosions.

Are fertilizers flammable?

Commercial fertilizer typically contains ammonium nitrate, a compound that helps absorb moisture from the atmosphere. While it remains solid at room temperature, it can become extremely volatile if ignited or even heated, causing explosions or fires.

Can fertilizer cause a fire?

The three major phenomenon associated with ammonium nitrate are fire, explosion and decomposition. Contamination of ammonium nitrate, for example with hydrocarbons or other oxidizing agents7 can increase the sensitivity of the fertilizer.

What happened at the West Texas fertilizer plant?

On April 17, 2013, firefighters responded to a fire at the West Fertilizer Company, a storage and distribution facility in West, Texas, a town of approximately 2,900 north of Waco. While crews worked to contain the fire, the site exploded, leveling homes, businesses and other buildings, including a nearby school.

What happened at the West Fertilizer plant explosion?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QihUAqsTWWU