Another resident told KWTX-TV that she heard several explosions from 13 miles (20km) away.

BBC: Texas Waco fertiliser plant blast causes many casualties

Brad Smith, who lives 45 miles north of West in Waxahachie, told KWTX that he and his wife heard what sounded like a thunderclap.

WSJ: Official: Several Injured in Plant Explosion in Waco, Texas

Lydia Zimmerman told television station KWTX that she, her husband and daughter were in their garden in Bynum, 13 miles from West, when they heard multiple blasts.

WSJ: Official: Several Injured in Plant Explosion in Waco, Texas

Gayle Scarbrough, a spokeswoman for the Department of Public Safety in Waco, told television station KWTX that DPS troopers have been transporting the injured to hospitals in their patrol cars.

WSJ: Official: Several Injured in Plant Explosion in Waco, Texas