Donald Adair, a Church of Christ elder and owner of the West, Texas, fertilizer facility that caught fire and exploded Wednesday night, says his heart is “broken with grief for the tragic losses to so many families in our community.”
“My family and I can’t express enough our deep appreciation for the loving service and selfless sacrifice from within and around our community responding to the urgent needs of those affected,” Adair said in a statement issued Friday. “I am proud to be associated with West Church of Christ, which has opened its doors to the State of Texas to provide grief counseling services. My family and I will continue to assist in relief efforts through our church family.”
Authorities have recovered 14 bodies — including 10 first-responders— from the debris, The Associated Press reported Friday. More than 200 people were hurt.