Witness Debby Marak told the Associated Press news agency that she had seen smoke coming from the area near the plant and had driven over to see what was happening.

BBC: Texas Waco fertiliser plant blast causes many casualties

Dr. Robert Shaler, chief of forensic biologist in the New York City medical examiner's office, told The Associated Press that most victims examined died from "blunt trauma, " and others from burns, smoke inhalation and injuries from sharp debris.

CNN: Giuliani: Recovery, cleanup could take a year