Second Deadliest Industrial Accident in U.S. History

The second deadliest industrial accident in U.S. history occurred at the West, Texas, fertilizer plant in April 2013. A massive explosion, caused by a fire igniting ammonium nitrate stored on-site, destroyed the plant and nearby buildings, killing 15 people—including first responders—and injuring over 160. The blast also caused extensive damage to homes and businesses in the town, highlighting the dangers of storing large quantities of highly reactive chemicals. The incident underscored the need for stricter safety regulations and emergency preparedness for facilities handling hazardous materials.