Investigation Report
West Fertilizer Explosion and Fire
West Fertilizer Explosion and Fire
- CSB
- Investigation Report
- ExplosionHazardous SubstancesHot Work and FireProcess Safety
- ExplosionFireHazardous substancesProcess safetyRegulation and legislation
- Pressure vessel
- Competence and trainingEmergency responseEvacuation, escape and rescueFire protection
- Onshore facility
Summary
Investigation of the West, Texas fertiliser facility fire and explosion, which killed 15 people and injured more than 260. The report examines ammonium nitrate detonation scenarios, storage construction, emergency planning, firefighter training, regulatory gaps and community siting. Laboratory analysis, damage surveys and seismic evidence inform findings while the precise detonation sequence remains uncertain.
Classifications: Explosion; explosive atmospheres.
Classifications: Fire; fire safety.
Classifications: Hazardous substances; hazardous chemicals; chemical exposure.
Classifications: Process safety; major accident hazards.
Classifications: Regulation and legislation; safety legislation; regulatory requirements.
Classifications: Pressure vessel; pressure vessels.
Classifications: Competence and training; competency assurance; safety training.
Classifications: Emergency response; emergency preparedness.
Classifications: Evacuation, escape and rescue; EER; escape and rescue.
Classifications: Fire protection; fire suppression; fire detection.
Classifications: Onshore facility; onshore plant.
Summary
A massive explosion at a fertilizer storage and distribution facility fatally injured twelve volunteer firefighters, two members of the public and caused hundreds of injuries.
Themes: explosion, hazardous substances, hot work and fire, process safety.