Statement on ATF Findings in West Fertilizer Fire
Alex Winslow, executive director of Texas Watch, released the following statement:
The ATF held a press conference today speculating that the fire at the West fertilizer plant was a criminal act. They offered no scientific evidence for their conclusion, only that they claim to have ruled out other possible causes. Today’s media event did little to clear up the confusion about the events leading up to the fire at the West plant three years ago.
One thing is clear: ammonium nitrate is extremely dangerous. And, manufacturers have a responsibility to ensure it is distributed and handled safely using well-known safety protocols. In West, they failed to do so.
As a result, 15 Texans died, hundreds more were injured, and property damage estimates have topped $200 million.
Texas Watch is a statewide citizen advocacy orgainzation that works on issues related to community safety and accountability. Related posts can be found here.
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