WEEKEND TOP NEWS LINKS:
Dug Begley, Houston Chronicle
WEST, TX – Residents displaced by the ferocious fertilizer plant blast slowly started returning to their homes Saturday, receiving sporadic information about investigation efforts and available services as the tiny city rebuilds.
At a town meeting, Mayor Tommy Muska said the restoration will begin just as soon as federal officials say it is safe to go back. Then the city can repair and mourn their 14 fallen friends and family.
“When you see this place, you’ll know a miracle happened,” Muska said, noting from the looks of the area it is a wonder more were not killed or injured.
Much of the credit went to emergency officials, like Dr. George N. Smith, who directs ambulance service and the nursing home leveled in the blast. Upon hearing about the fire, Smith, an osteopathic doctor, rushed to solicit aid from the community. The response was massive.
“There were hundreds of fire trucks,” Smith said after the meeting, during which residents applauded his efforts. Even those unaffiliated or off-duty came to help. Kenny Harris, a Dallas firefighter, showed up to assist. “He got killed helping,” Smith said.
Now, in addition to repairing the town, they must resupply their emergency services. Smith said two of West’s three ambulances were ruined in the disaster. Other ambulance services are covering the area.
Help continues to pour in. Karen Bernsen, a liaison between city residents and disaster services coming into the region, said the city already has a donated fire truck on the way.
For residents, countless offers for housing, food, clothing, toiletries and even toys are streaming in.
“There are shelters nobody is staying at,” Bernsen said, urging anyone who needs help to get it.
Many residents just want to go home, they said. Although those south of Walnut Street can return under conditions to assess damage and grab belongings, those most affected and closest to the plant can’t return yet. Muska said he is hoping, praying actually, that they can return in about a week.
(Read more of this story at Chron.com)
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LOCAL AREA HEADLINES:
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STATE HEADLINES:
- Texas drought worsens, Houston drought holds steady (KPRC 2 News)
- Texas unemployment rate remains unchanged (KRIV 26 News)
- Trial underway for Dallas man accused of starving son to death (AP)
NATION & WORLD:
- Trade association sought to exclude fertilizer blenders from reporting requirements (Austin Statesman)
- Gulf oil spill three years later: cleanup, study carries on (AP)
- On Columbine anniversary, survivor says gun bill fight isn’t over yet (Yahoo News)
- Rescuers struggle to reach China quake zone as toll climbs (Reuters)
