The search and rescue efforts in West (the site of the fertilizer plant explosion) has nearly been completed, and the death toll stands at 14 -- many of them first responders sent to fight the initial fire at the plant. It could climb still, but officials don't think that is likely. Nearly 200 people were injured. These are devastating totals for a small city with less than 3,000 inhabitants.Supplies have been flowing into West for those who lost their homes. In fact, they have received so much that officials are asking that no more goods be sent. Instead, they say people wishing to help should either give blood or send money.
Among those who will be providing aid to the victims in West is Texas icon Willie Nelson. Willie was scheduled to hold a concert on April 28th to celebrate his birthday (he will turn 80 on April 30th). He has said that the concert is no longer a birthday party, but is now a concert to help the victims in West. All proceeds from the concert will be donated to those victims. Willie said:
"West is like our backyard. It's where I grew up. I rode my bike from Abbott to West and back all the time on that road where all this stuff happened." "Our hearts and prayers go out to the people of West. There are a lot of our friends and loved ones and neighbors down there. We talked to some of them and some of them made it out OK, and some of them didn't. But they're strong and they'll be back. It's one of those things you don't get over. But you will get through it."
The government of the Czech Republic has also sent a representative to West. The Czech Ambassador Petr Gandalovic, who is stationed in Washington (D.C.), was sent to West by Czech Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg on behalf of Prime Minister Petr Necas. West was founded in the 1800s by Czech immigrants, and about 70% of the current residents have Czech heritage. Ambassador Gandalovic said:
"You see it on those storefronts. You see Czech names. You see words like kolache and polka. They're very proud of their Czech descent. They maintain their culture."
"This is a very proud Czech town and unfortunately it has been so terribly hit by this tragedy." "I hope this will at least console the people here, that they will know that their motherland, the Czech people, are following this and they really are sorry for that."
Read more here: http://www.star-telegram.com/2013/04/19/4788589/the-motherland-mourns-for-battered.html#storylink=cpy "I hope this will at least console the people here, that they will know that their motherland, the Czech people, are following this and they really are sorry for that,"
Read more here: http://www.star-telegram.com/2013/04/19/4788589/the-motherland-mourns-for-battered.html#storylink=cpy Read more here: http://www.star-telegram.com/2013/04/19/4788589/the-motherland-mourns-for-battered.html#storylink=cpy Read more here: http://www.star-telegram.com/2013/04/19/4788589/the-motherland-mourns-for-battered.html#storylink=cpy
