Houston, 16 May (Argus) — US and state investigators today ruled that the cause of the deadly 17 April explosion at an independent agricultural retail facility in West, Texas, was “undetermined,” but eliminated ammonium nitrate and anhydrous ammonia as the causes.
After nearly four weeks of examining the explosion site, the Texas State Fire Marshal's office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives National Response Team also ruled out rekindling of an earlier fire, spontaneous ignition, the 480-volt electrical system, smoking, and weather as possible causes of the explosion. Investigators were unable to eliminate a 120-volt electrical system, a golf cart and an intentionally set fire. The investigation remains open, Texas fire marshal Chris Connealy said.
The explosion killed 15 people and injured hundreds, while causing immense damage to the area.
Fertilizer industry officials worry that the blast could spur additional regulations. The US Senate Environment and Public Works Committee (EPW) on 30 April said it will investigate the explosion and review laws which govern the safety of chemicals and chemical fertilizers.
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