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Today in History: Deadly Ammonium Nitrate Explosion Claims 15 Lives

4/17/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On April 17, 2013, an ammonium nitrate explosion at the West Fertilizer Company in West, Texas, killed 15 people and injured over 160. The blast occurred while emergency services responded to a fire, damaging or destroying more than 150 buildings. Investigators later determined the fire was deliberately set, a finding that remains disputed.

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Story summary

On April 17, 2013, an ammonium nitrate explosion at the West Fertilizer Company in West, Texas, killed 15 people and injured over 160. The blast occurred while emergency services responded to a fire, damaging or destroying more than 150 buildings. Investigators later determined the fire was deliberately set, a finding that remains disputed.