Dozens are feared dead and hundreds injured after a fertiliser plant exploded in the Texas town of West, near Waco, on Thursday.

An industrial shed at the fertiliser plant and caught fire, and as firefighters were battling to control the blaze in the engulfed structure, a nearby anhydrous ammonia fertiliser storage tank exploded.

The massive explosion registered as a 2.1-magnitude seismic event and levelled buildings in a four block radius. A huge fireball was sent skyward, raining down deadly fire debris on West, a rural community of 2,700.

A nursing home and middle school near the fertilizer plant were almost destroyed by subsequent fires. Authorities rushed to rescue those who were injured or trapped by fallen buildings.

Authorities evacuated the area for fear of residents suffering from burns or poisoning from anhydrous ammonia, released in the explosion.

This video explains how the explosion happened and how anhydrous ammonia can affect the human body.

Five to 15 people have been confirmed killed. Hospitals have been asked to prepare for hundreds of patients.

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