Texas Fertiliser Plant Explosion: Criminal Probe Launched, Paramedic Bryce Reed Arrested For 'Bomb-Making'

Texas Launching Criminal Investigation Into Deadly Plant Explosion

Police investigating a deadly fertiliser plant explosion which killed 14 people have charged a paramedic, who helped people on the night of the explosion, with possessing bomb-making materials.

Officials in Waco, Texas have launched a criminal investigation into the blast at the West Fertilizer Co which killed 14 people, which has until now been treated as an industrial accident.

The Associated Press reported that Bryce Reed, a Texas paramedic who helped evacuate people on the night of the explosion in West has now been charged with possessing bomb-making materials including a pipe and chemicals.

His arrest has not been officially connected to the West fertiliser plant disaster.

Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steven McCraw said in a statement: “This disaster has severely impacted the community of West, and we want to ensure that no stone goes unturned and that all the facts related to this incident are uncovered."

The McLennan County Sheriff's Office was called earlier this week to a home near West where they found a pipe, a variety of chemicals and fuses.

They say the objects belonged to Reed, who didn't enter a plea when he appeared in court Friday.

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