An explosion at a fertilizer plant has left the factory in ruins, causing major damage to nearby buildings, injuring numerous people.

A dispatcher with the West, Texas Fire Department said the explosion happened on Wednesday night at a fertilizer plant in the community north of Waco. She said any casualties would be taken to hospitals in Waco.

There were no immediate reports from officials about fatalities or the severity of the explosion, as Texas Gov. Rick Perry said state officials were also waiting for details about the extent of the damage.

"We are monitoring developments and gathering information as details continue to emerge about this incident,'' Perry said in a statement.

"We have also mobilized state resources to help local authorities. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of West, and the first responders on the scene.''

Gayle Scarbrough, a spokeswoman for the Department of Public Safety in Waco, told television station KWTX that DPS troopers have been transporting the injured to hospitals in their patrol cars.

She said six helicopters were also en route.

KWTX reported that the explosion at West Fertilizer was reported at around 7:50 pm in a frantic call from the scene.

PHOTO CAPTION

A column of smoke rises after an explosion at a fertilizer plant north of Waco, Texas April 17, 2013.

Aljazeera