UPDATE x2: Video of what looks to be a missle blowing up Fertilizer Plant that was on fire.

UPDATE x1: Aerial footage from the scene of the devastation in Texas plus notice of largest hospital drill ever held in the area.

Scenes from the devastation to the town where the West Fertilizer Co. plant that blew up yesterday evening is unimaginable. It is being reported that 15 have died, five being firefighters and one police officer, and a hundred more injured. These are preliminary reports and officials are expecting these numbers to increase as search and rescue teams go through the rubble.

Search and rescue teams are combing the area for any sign of survivors. It is being reported that 75 homes and businesses have been destroyed.

The photo above and below is what show what is left of the Fertilizer plant.

 

The Daily Mail is reporting the roof of a nearby senior citizens home collapsed resulting in an evacuation of its 133 residents.

Update: Aerial footage from West Fertilizer Company plant –

To view more photos and recent updates go to http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2311379/West-Texas-fertilizer-plant-explosion-Death-toll-rises-disaster-near-Waco.html

This is only a drill

Update on the drill (posted 4/18): Due to the events in West, Texas last night, North Hills Hospital and the NCTTRAC have chosen to cancel today’s emergency preparedness drill. Many of the same resources planned for the drill have already deployed to West to help care for the victims down there.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims, loved ones, and first responders affected by this terrible tragedy.

…

North Hills Hospital is proud to be hosting one of the largest emergency preparedness drills ever held in the state of Texas this week. We will be partnering with the North Central Texas Trauma Regional Advisory Council (NCTTRAC) and first responders from throughout North Texas to test our equipment and processes so that when a real disaster happens, we’re all ready to respond.

This drill is even timelier in the wake of the bombings at Monday’s Boston Marathon. Our prayers go out to the victims involved, and we are proud of the first responders – EMS, fire, police, race workers, and hospital staff – who so bravely cared for the injured.

If you live near North Hills Hospital, you will see a lot of activity in our parking lots over the next three days as the NCTTRAC sets up a mobile 140-bed hospital, along with dozens of ambulances, several AMBUS (multi-patient ambulances), and helicopters. This is only a drill and will simulate a hospital evacuation, something that might be necessary in the event of a tornado, hurricane, earthquake, or prolonged power failure.

Set-up for the drill will take place Tuesday and Wednesday, with the drill occurring on Thursday. At no time will regular patient care be affected, as the drill will use only “actor” patients and be confined to non-patient care areas and the parking lot. Tune in to our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/northhillshosp)  and Instagram feed (@NorthHillsHospital) for pictures of the drill throughout the week.

h/t cryptogon dot com
UPDATE X2 –

Here’s another with slower speed –