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Fire that led to fatal Texas fertilizer explosion set on purpose
Posted: Wed May 11, 2016 3:04 pm
by The Annoyed Man
http://www.cnn.com/2016/05/11/us/texas- ... ant-blast/
(CNN)The fire that led to a deadly explosion at a West, Texas, fertilizer plant three years ago was intentionally set, authorities said Wednesday.
The blast devastated the Texas town of West in April 2013 and killed 15 people -- including 12 first responders.
Texas blast leaves nearly 100-foot crater
Investigators determined someone started the fire on purpose after conducting 400 interviews and lab work on evidence, said officials from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Authorities would not comment on whether they know of a suspect.
But "we're headed in the right direction," ATF Special Agent in Charge Robert Elder said.
Wow.
Re: Fire that led to fatal Texas fertilizer explosion set on purpose
Posted: Wed May 11, 2016 3:15 pm
by Jusme
The Annoyed Man wrote:http://www.cnn.com/2016/05/11/us/texas- ... ant-blast/
(CNN)The fire that led to a deadly explosion at a West, Texas, fertilizer plant three years ago was intentionally set, authorities said Wednesday.
The blast devastated the Texas town of West in April 2013 and killed 15 people -- including 12 first responders.
Texas blast leaves nearly 100-foot crater
Investigators determined someone started the fire on purpose after conducting 400 interviews and lab work on evidence, said officials from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Authorities would not comment on whether they know of a suspect.
But "we're headed in the right direction," ATF Special Agent in Charge Robert Elder said.
Wow.
That's unbelievable! I can't imagine a worse finding, I hope that they find out who the culprit is, if he's not already on a plane out of the country. I remember when that happened, we felt it at home in Alvarado, 40 miles away, it rattled our windows, and sounded like thunder. I can't imagine what it was like closer to it.
Re: Fire that led to fatal Texas fertilizer explosion set on purpose
Posted: Wed May 11, 2016 3:17 pm
by Pariah3j
I was under the impression from earlier reports when this happened that it was an accident. I was surprised to find out it was arson instead. Hopefully they know or can figure out who was responsible.
Re: Fire that led to fatal Texas fertilizer explosion set on purpose
Posted: Wed May 11, 2016 3:22 pm
by ELB
Yikes.
Next question is "why?"
If I were the owner and owed a lot of money on that plant, I would be very nervous right now.
Re: Fire that led to fatal Texas fertilizer explosion set on purpose
Posted: Wed May 11, 2016 3:37 pm
by Right2Carry
3 years really? SMH
Re: Fire that led to fatal Texas fertilizer explosion set on purpose
Posted: Wed May 11, 2016 3:56 pm
by philip964
Regardless of the cause. Locating a fertilizer storage facility in a populated area is insane.
One would think city fathers would have know or realized the danger.
Texas City Explosion 1947
Oklahoma City Bombing 1995
Sioux City Explosion 1994
Or these
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ammoniu ... _disasters
Re: Fire that led to fatal Texas fertilizer explosion set on purpose
Posted: Wed May 11, 2016 4:03 pm
by crazy2medic
My understanding was the plant was there first and the populated area grew up around the plant.
Well who ever started the fire, they'll be facing capital murder charges!
Re: Fire that led to fatal Texas fertilizer explosion set on purpose
Posted: Thu May 12, 2016 9:03 am
by ELB
"All reasonable, accidental and natural fire scenarios were hypothesized, considered, tested and eliminated as being fire causes,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge from the Houston Field Division Robert Elder.
http://www.kxxv.com/story/31942961/in-d ... -west-fire
Re: Fire that led to fatal Texas fertilizer explosion set on purpose
Posted: Thu May 12, 2016 9:52 am
by Dave2
crazy2medic wrote:My understanding was the plant was there first and the populated area grew up around the plant.
We had this conversation back when it happened. That is my recollection as well.
Re: Fire that led to fatal Texas fertilizer explosion set on purpose
Posted: Tue May 24, 2016 9:40 pm
by flintknapper
Fertilizer plants would make attractive targets for a terrorist (home grown or otherwise), I am surprised we haven't seen more instances of this type thing (arson).
Another type target: Petroleum Bulk Terminals (where tanker trucks fill up) and pipeline hubs are often woefully under guarded and would make easy targets. Terminals are all over the place and have bulk quantities of refined petroleum products (primarily gasoline).
An attack on that kind of facility would not necessarily result in much loss of life, but it would certainly have a major disruptive effect.
Re: Fire that led to fatal Texas fertilizer explosion set on purpose
Posted: Tue May 24, 2016 9:50 pm
by Javier730
Re: Fire that led to fatal Texas fertilizer explosion set on purpose
Posted: Tue May 24, 2016 10:17 pm
by TexasJohnBoy
Umm, wow. I hadn't seen that. Raises it a level to see it that close and hear their reactions.
Re: Fire that led to fatal Texas fertilizer explosion set on purpose
Posted: Wed May 25, 2016 7:21 am
by bigity
I drove through West that day - about 45 minutes before the explosion. Scary stuff.
Re: Fire that led to fatal Texas fertilizer explosion set on purpose
Posted: Wed May 25, 2016 7:28 am
by Charles L. Cotton
I hope that little girl didn't suffer any permanent hearing loss. I HATE seeing kids hurt!
Chas.
Re: Fire that led to fatal Texas fertilizer explosion set on purpose
Posted: Wed May 25, 2016 9:14 am
by android
flintknapper wrote:Fertilizer plants would make attractive targets for a terrorist (home grown or otherwise), I am surprised we haven't seen more instances of this type thing (arson).
Another type target: Petroleum Bulk Terminals (where tanker trucks fill up) and pipeline hubs are often woefully under guarded and would make easy targets. Terminals are all over the place and have bulk quantities of refined petroleum products (primarily gasoline).
An attack on that kind of facility would not necessarily result in much loss of life, but it would certainly have a major disruptive effect.
And I think they are gun free zones due to federal laws. So only the terrorists will be armed. Luckily there are signs telling them to stay out.