New video of fertilizer plant explosion shows
New video of the moment the fertilizer plant in West, Texas, exploded shows a mushroom cloud billowing high into the air seconds after the blast.
The new footage, filmed on a cell phone from many hundreds of yards away, adds another perspective to the disaster that left 11 emergency responders dead, three more feared killed and 160 injured.
The video was shot by Francisco Rodarte, who was simply filming the large fire at the plant and had no idea what was going to happen.
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Blast: This giant mushroom cloud of black smoke rose above the fertilizer plant in the seconds after the explosion that ravaged West, Texas
Blast: The plant suddenly exploded with a violent boom and an enormous flash that send the man filming it reeling and cursing
When the blast occurs, he shouts with disbelief: 'God all mighty! Damn! Oh my lord!'
The massive explosion was felt up to 50 miles away.
It leveled five blocks around the West Fertilizer Company.
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A tragic day for heroes: 11 firefighters and medics confirmed killed at in Texas fertilizer plant blast and at least three more feared dead
This man survived the Boston Marathon blasts by seconds then witnessed the Texas fertilizer plant blast
Some 50 to 75 houses were heavily damaged. An apartment complex with 50 units was gutted.
Rescuers searched the smoking remnants of a Texas farm town Thursday for survivors of a thunderous fertilizer plant explosion, gingerly checking smashed houses and apartments for anyone still trapped in debris while the community awaited word on the number of dead.
Video: New footage shows explosion
Incredible new video shows moment of Texas plant explosion
On Thursday evening, several hundred people packed St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in downtown West for a non-denominational church service. A victim relief services chaplain said prayers and hymns were offered in honor of blast victims.
The explosion was apparently touched off by a fire, but there was no indication what sparked the blaze. The company had been cited by regulators for what appeared to be minor safety and permitting violations over the past decade.
The Wednesday night explosion rained burning embers and debris down on terrified residents. The landscape Thursday was wrapped in acrid smoke and strewn with the shattered remains of buildings, furniture and personal belongings.
The blast killed at least 11 firefighters and medics. Up to 14 are feared dead
