Chemical Safety Board wraps up investigation into 2013 West Fertilizer blast
Recommends changes in hazard awareness, land use planning and regulatory oversight
The US Chemical Safety Board (CSB) last week voted on its final report and safety recommendations on the April 17, 2013, West Fertilizer fire and explosion in West, Texas, which resulted in 15 fatalities, more than 260 injuries, and widespread community damage. The deadly fire and explosion occurred when about thirty tons of fertilizer grade ammonium nitrate (FGAN) exploded after being heated by a fire at the storage and distribution facility.
At a meeting, the investigative team presented its findings and recommendations as well as a 3D animation showing the events leading up to the incident.