WEST, Texas, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Authorities are gravely concerned about toxic gases released following Wednesday's huge fertilizer factory blast here, which is believed to have killed dozens and injured more than 170.
A fire at the plant, 320 kilometers north of Houston, is under control but still burning. A hazardous material team has been sent to the scene, where air quality is dangerous due to the high density of anhydrous ammonia. Rescue workers are using masks.
The explosion happened around 7:50 p.m. local time (0050 GMT Thursday) and there are still no official numbers on casualties. However, Dr. George Smith, head of Texas Emergency Medical Services in West, said there were at least 60 dead, the KWTX reported.
West Mayor Tommy Muska told an earlier news conference it had been confirmed at least four or five rescue men and firefighters were missing.
He said a fire broke out at the plant before the explosion and witnesses said evacuation in response to the fire was already underway when the blast happened. They said it sounded like a nuclear bomb and sent a big fireball into the air.
Rescuers launched a door-to-door search overnight in the area near the explosion, where more than 10 houses were demolished and 60 damaged. The blast also triggered a magnitude of 2.1 earthquake.
Authorities are also worried there might be a second or a third fertilizer tank explosion.
The cause of the fire and explosion is still being investigated.
West is a small city of 2,600 residents. Half of the town was evacuated after the explosion and roads to the plant have been closed.
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