Fertiliser plant explosion - Texas

London - Believed at this time to be an industrial accident, an explosion at a fertiliser plant in the town of West, Texas has left many injured and several missing.

Waco’s chief of police has stated that the explosion is not being considered anything but “an accidental fire” although it remains a crime scene pending further investigation.

Prior to the explosion, which happened at around 19.50 local time - 01.50 BST - a fire had broken out at the plant which is thought to have contained large quantities of anhydrous ammonia.

The chemical, which is made up of over 80% nitrogen, is used as a fertiliser that provides essential nutrients.

As a gas, it emits a colourless yet strong odour, and is combined with hydrogen. As the chemical is anhydrous, or without water, when it contacts with moisture it combines rapidly.

The danger with the explosion lies in the fact that large amounts of anhydrous ammonia present at the plant could contact with body tissue, causing dehydration to the eyes, skin and respiratory system which can cause irreversible damage.

It is not yet known how many people have been exposed to the chemical, but the fire, and subsequent explosion, has left over 150 people injured whilst authorities report up to 5 fire-fighters are unaccounted for.

Also, officials have stated that 14 people have died as a result of the explosion - confirming Kenny Harris, a local fire-fighter, among the deceased . The search and rescue effort continues in a bid to locate survivors.

A list of helpful links for those affected can be found here: http://www.wacotrib.com/news/helpful-links-for-those-affected-by-west-plant-explosion/article_dd5988c4-f042-5a11-b277-7ba019be157a.html