ATF Says Deadly Texas Fertilizer Plant Explosion Was Intentional

A new report from the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives shows that the deadly 2013 Texas fertilizer plant explosion was intentional. The investigation labeled the explosion that killed 15 people and injured more than 200 others as a “criminal act.”

The explosion rocked a community of 2,800 people just north of Waco. As a result, 500 homes were turned into rubble from the force that was compared to a magnitude 2.1 earthquake. The explosion left a 93-foot-wide crater in the site where the plant stood. The plant also contained chemicals such as ammonium nitrate.

Currently, no arrests have been made in connection with the explosion, but as part of their investigation, the ATF has conducted over 400 interviews. Furthermore, a $50,000 reward is being offered to help find anybody who may have been involved with the crime.

Of the individuals killed during the fire following the explosion were two volunteers and 10 first responders. This incident occurred in the same week as the Boston Marathon bombing. The town has been slowly rebuilding since the blast occurred.

The United States Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board claimed that the explosion was one of the most destructive incidents it had ever investigated. Litigation is currently ongoing. Some of the claims initially named the fertilizer company as the defendant and settled out of court for undisclosed amounts. However, some other residents and businesses still have pending cases with one trial slated to begin next week.

This was a tragedy that rocked Texas and new revelations regarding the cause of the blast can open up a number of options for some of the people who were injured and the families of those who were killed.