Dozens injured in Texas fertilizer plant explosion

WEST, Texas (AP)

The mayor of a Texas town where an explosion leveled a fertilizer plant says he doesn't yet know how many people were hurt or killed in the blast.

West Mayor Tommy Muska said at a news conference that there was a fire at the West Fertilizer plant before Wednesday night's explosion.

The blast could be heard at least 45 miles away and it caused major damage to surrounding buildings.

An official from a hospital in nearby Waco says at least 66 people were taken for treatment there, including 38 who were hurt seriously.

The massive explosion in West, a community about 20 miles north of Wacon, Wednesday night sent flames shooting into the night sky, leaving the factory a smoldering ruin.

The explosion happened shortly before 8 p.m. and could be heard as far away as Waxahachie, 45 miles to the north.