title: Epidemiologic Investigation of Injuries Associated With the 2013 Fertilizer Plant Explosion in West, Texas.
abstract: On April 17, 2013, a fire and subsequent explosion occurred at the West Fertilizer Company plant in West, Texas, and caused extensive damage to the adjacent neighborhood. This investigation described the fatal and nonfatal injuries caused by the explosion.
  
  
  
  Persons injured by the fertilizer plant explosion were identified through death certificates, medical examination reports, medical records, and survivor interviews. Data on patient characteristics, type of injury, and location of injury were collected.
  
  
  
  Medical record review indicated that 252 individuals sought medical care for nonfatal injuries directly related to the explosion immediately after the explosion. Fifteen patients died of injuries sustained by the blast. Almost one-quarter of patients were admitted for treatment of injuries. Injuries sustained in the explosion included abrasions/contusions, lacerations/penetrating trauma, traumatic brain injuries/concussions, tinnitus/hearing problems, eye injuries, and inhalational injuries. Patients located closer to the explosion were more likely to be admitted to the hospital for treatment of injuries than were those who were located further away.
  
  
  
  Explosions of this magnitude are rare, but can inflict severe damage to a community and its residents. This investigation could be a useful planning resource for other communities, public health agencies, first responders, and medical facilities. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2016;10:583-590).
authors.affiliation: 1Texas Department of State Health Services,Austin,Texas.
authors.forename: Kristi
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Metzger
authors.affiliation: 2Waco McLennan County Public Health District,Waco,Texas.
authors.forename: Hammad
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-2882-2335
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Akram
authors.affiliation: 3Texas Department of State Health Services,Health Service Region 7,Temple,Texas.
authors.forename: Bonnie
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Feldt
authors.affiliation: 2Waco McLennan County Public Health District,Waco,Texas.
authors.forename: Kahler
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Stone
authors.affiliation: 2Waco McLennan County Public Health District,Waco,Texas.
authors.forename: Stephanie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Alvey
authors.affiliation: 3Texas Department of State Health Services,Health Service Region 7,Temple,Texas.
authors.forename: Sandi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Henley
authors.affiliation: 2Waco McLennan County Public Health District,Waco,Texas.
authors.forename: Alicia
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hernandez
authors.affiliation: 3Texas Department of State Health Services,Health Service Region 7,Temple,Texas.
authors.forename: Sharon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Melville
authors.affiliation: 1Texas Department of State Health Services,Austin,Texas.
authors.forename: Tracy
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Haywood
authors.affiliation: 1Texas Department of State Health Services,Austin,Texas.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Zane
mesh_terms: D000062:Accidents, Occupational / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001753:Blast Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D005308:Fertilizers / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005390:Fires / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013781:Texas / Q000453:epidemiology
chemical_list: D005308:Fertilizers
keywords: disasters; explosions; injury; preparedness