Blast-devastated U.S. city imposes curfew, allowing some residents to return home

WEST, the United States, April 20 (Xinhua) -- Authorities of the city of West, the U.S. state of Texas, on Saturday declared to impose curfew while allowing some of the evacuated residents to return home in the afternoon, more than two days after a powerful explosion at a local fertilizer plant that almost razed the town.

Residents whose homes lie in areas of the city of West can return home starting 3 p.m. Saturday, Steve Vanek, mayor pro tem of West, announced at a press conference, who said some conditions were set for their return and staying at home.

The official stressed that these residents can stay at their homes but at their own risk.

Other residents still cannot be allowed to return home at this stage, he said.

The powerful blast occurred around 7:50 p.m. local time Wednesday at the fertilizer plant in West, a small town some 320 km north of Houston, Texas, killing 14 people and injuring about 200 others. Another 60 people remained unaccounted for after Wednesday's explosion, according to local officials.

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