Local News catches Missile hitting TEXAS Fertlizaer plant causing mass explosion, taking the lives of up to 15 people, including local firefighters and injuring more than 160 people.
(CNN) -- Teams of first responders descended on the devastated town of West, Texas, early Thursday where a massive explosion at a fertilizer plant left scores of casualties and turned homes to rubble.
The number of dead remained unclear, with police saying it could be between five and 15. More than 160 people were injured and "three to four" firefighters were missing or unaccounted for, officials said.
Firefighters were battling the blaze that precipitated the explosion Wednesday night. And a storm system heading into the area brought helpful rain -- but also heavy winds that might make it much tougher to contain the fire.
It's unknown whether residents were trapped under remnants of destroyed buildings, authorities said early Thursday. Teams were combing through flattened areas, but nails and other debris created safety risks, said Waco Police Sgt. William Patrick Swanton. Also, the Department of Homeland Security said federal and state authorities were taking steps to secure the area by shutting down local rail freight service and nearby utilities and restricting flights over the area.
Federal Emergency Trucks in Wace night prior to fire
Source: News By Josh Levs and Lateef Mungin, CNN