Small fires erupting at Texas blast site

Residents displaced by the massive fertiliser plant explosion in Texas have been told by officials that tanks on the site are leaking gas and causing small fires.

The fires are reported to be contained, but they are preventing those who live nearby from returning to their homes in the town of West.

Paramedic Bryce Reed visited a hotel crammed with displaced residents today and gave a short briefing.

Mr Reed, who is also a spokesman for West, said there may be reports of “another explosion in West”, but warned that those are exaggerated.

He said the leaks were caused by tanks damaged by heat and had triggered small fires. He said no further evacuations were necessary.