Three days after a massive fertilizer plant explosion killed at least 14 people in West, Texas, some residents have been told they can return to their homes – but under strict conditions.
Those returning to a small area near the blast site must abide by a 7 p.m. curfew, stay indoors and limit the number of vehicles going in and out of the neighbourhood.
City council member Steve Vanek said Saturday it’s the first stage of the re-entry process, but he didn’t indicate when all the evacuated residents will be able to go home.
Vanek stressed that, despite “rumours,” the small community just north of Waco is safe.
“It is safe, it is safe, it is safe for our citizens,” he told a news conference.
However, he warned those returning to the area that there is limited access to electricity, natural gas and water. Residents must also watch out for scattered debris and broken glass, he said.
About 60 people are still unaccounted for after Wednesday’s explosion at West Fertilizer Co., which stores and distributes anhydrous ammonia. The blast injured about 200 people and destroyed nearby homes and buildings, including a school and a nursing home.
Authorities have warned that the death toll could rise as investigators continue to sift through the wreckage.
According to the town’s mayor, Tommy Muska, 10 of the dead were first-responders – including five from the West Volunteer Fire Department and four emergency medics.
Plant owner Donald Adair said in a statement he would never forget the “selfless sacrifices of first-reponders who died trying to protect all of us.” He said one of the former plant’s employees was also killed responding to the fire.
Late Friday, U.S. President Barack Obama announced a federal disaster relief aid to help those affected by the massive blast. “Our thoughts, our prayers are with the people of West, Texas, where so many good people lost their lives, some lost their homes, many were injured, many are still missing,” he said.
Following a tour of the tiny community on Friday, Gov. Rick Perry told reporters the search-and-rescue phase for anyone still trapped under rubble was mostly finished but the state would help to repair the fire department that was basically “wiped out.”
“To the first-responders: I cannot say thank you enough,” Perry said.
McLennan County Judge Scott Felton said that many of those listed as unaccounted for likely lost their homes and have been difficult to locate since Wednesday’s accident.
Federal investigators and the state fire marshal began combing the site of the blast Friday to collect evidence that may point to a cause.
In 2006, the plant was fined after local residents complained of an intense smell. The Environmental Protection Agency at the time said there was no fire or explosive risk.
Wednesday’s blast measured 2.1 on the Richter magnitude scale.
Even before authorities released a confirmed number of fatalities, the names of the dead were becoming known in the small farming community of 2,800 people.
Many of those killed were firefighters, including 52-year-old Kenny Harris, a fire captain in Dallas who rushed towards the plant when the fire began.
“We know everyone that was there first, in the beginning," Christina Rodarte, 46, who has lived in West for 27 years, told The Associated Press.
"There's no words for it. It is a small community, and everyone knows the first responders, because anytime there's anything going on, the fire department is right there, all volunteer.”
With files from The Associated Press
