The U.S. Chemical Safety Board on Tuesday (April 22) released preliminary findings into the April 17, 2013, West Fertilizer explosion and fire in West, TX, which resulted in at least 14 fatalities, 226 injuries and widespread community damage. Large quantities of ammonium nitrate fertilizer exploded after being heated by a fire at the storage and distribution facility, investigators said. CSB said its investigation focuses on "shortcomings" in existing regulations, standards, and guidance at the federal, state and county levels (see related story).
