Intentional fire caused fatal Texas blast, ATF says

Associated Press

DALLAS

A fire that was intentionally set caused the 2013 explosion at a Texas fertilizer plant that killed 15 people, federal officials said Wednesday, describing the blaze as “a criminal act.”

Federal and state investigators said no arrests have been made, but that authorities were investigating who may have set the fire inside West Fertilizer Co. on April 17, 2013. The fire caused ammonium nitrate to ignite, triggering a massive explosion that also injured hundreds of people and left part of the small town of West in ruins.

Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives special agent Robert Elder said investigators came to their conclusion after ruling out other causes. He didn’t release specifics or a possible motive, though inspectors previously said three possible scenarios caused the fire: faulty electrical wiring, a short circuit in a golf cart stored at the plant, or arson.

“We have eliminated all reasonable accidental and natural causes,” Elder said during a news conference. “This was a criminal act.”

The ATF also released a statement saying investigators determined the fire was “intentionally set” after investigators conducted more than 400 interviews, a fire-scene examination, reviewed witness photos and videos and conducted “extensive scientific testing” at an ATF fire research laboratory.

A message left with West Mayor Tommy Muska was not immediately returned Wednesday afternoon.