Twelve Bodies Recovered At Site of West Explosion; Another Deceased Firefighter Identified
Twelve bodies have been recovered from the area surrounding the West Fertilizer plant that exploded Wednesday night.
At a Friday morning press conference. Department of Public Safety representative Sgt. Jason Reyes confirmed 12 bodies were found; Reyes said the remains were taken to the Southwest Institute of Forensic Sciences in Dallas for identification. He said more than 200 people were injured following Wednesday's explosion.
Reyes said he could not confirm how many of the bodies recovered were first responders.
Dallas Fire-Rescue has confirmed one of the deceased firefighters is identified as Capt. Kenny Harris, 52, who lived in West. Harris was not scheduled to work the evening when fire broke out at the West Fertilizer plant, but opted to volunteer in the efforts to contain the blaze.
Harris leaves behind three adult sons and a wife.
Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings released a statement about Harris' death:
Captain Harris rushed to the scene compelled to provide assistance to his community during this crisis... I want to express my deepest condolences to his family, friends and co-workers.
Reyes said efforts on the ground continue to be a "search and rescue" operation, with rescue workers clearing more than 150 buildings so far.
State and federal investigators continue to process the area as a crime scene. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, said ATF investigators is currently on the scene and the Texas Fire Marshal is as well.
More updates on this story as they become available.