Search
 

Opinion: Doesn’t Matter How West Fertilizer Dangers Were Revealed

The explosion has revealed holes in insurance requirements, workplace safety, risk management, and land-use planning, but will poor oversight constitute a criminal act?

By Chad Hemenway | Updated on June 01, 2013
The attorney representing Bryce Ashley Reed says his client will plead not guilty to a federal charge of possessing an explosive device.

Reed, a West, Texas paramedic, was arrested in May, weeks after the deadly explosion at West Fertilizer Co. According to an affidavit, Reed admitted to possessing the components of a pipe bomb. He apparently handed over the ingredients—chemical powders, a fuse, a lighter, a digital scale and other items—to an acquaintance.

Reed responded to the explosion on April 17, 2013 at West Fertilizer Co., which killed 15 people and left hundreds more wounded. The massive explosion also damaged or destroyed 140 homes, an apartment complex, two schools, a retirement center, and various local businesses.

Want to continue reading?
Become a Free
PropertyCasualty360 Digital Reader.

INCLUDED IN A DIGITAL MEMBERSHIP:

  • All PropertyCasualty360.com news coverage, best practices, and in-depth analysis.
  • Educational webcasts, resources from industry leaders, and informative newsletters.
  • Other award-winning websites including BenefitsPRO.com and ThinkAdvisor.com.

Already have an account?

NOT FOR REPRINT

© 2024 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.

Recommended Stories

PropertyCasualty360

Join PropertyCasualty360

Don’t miss crucial news and insights you need to make informed decisions for your P&C insurance business. Join PropertyCasualty360.com now!

  • Unlimited access to PropertyCasualty360.com - your roadmap to thriving in a disrupted environment
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including BenefitsPRO.com, ThinkAdvisor.com and Law.com
  • Exclusive discounts on PropertyCasualty360, National Underwriter, Claims and ALM events

Already have an account? Sign In Now
Join PropertyCasualty360

Copyright © 2024 ALM Global, LLC. All Rights Reserved.