Update, Sunday, 5:15 p.m.: Phase two of the re-entry process has begun in West, meaning more families have been allowed to re-enter their homes. Officials said it could be weeks before those who lived closest to the explosion could return.
- The elementary school in West will be open tomorrow; however, students from the middle school near the plant that was heavily damaged will finish their year at a facility donated by the neighboring school district in Connally.
- A memorial service will be held Thursday at Baylor University in Waco. The service begins at 2 p.m. Ten of the 14 people who died were first responders, and firefighters from across the country are expected to attend the service.
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Some residents whose homes were damaged in the explosion at the fertilizer plant last Wednesday have returned to assess the damage. Mayor Pro Tem Steve Vanek says so far, the first phase of the re-entry process is going well. The second phase of the re-entry is still to be determined and the majority of homes in the impact zone remain blocked off.
Many families turned to another place of comfort today, church. Several churches in West held services that drew crowds both from the town of West and neighboring cities. The First Baptist Church held services in a hayfield this morning, since its building is still blocked off. About 400 people showed up to hear Pastor John Crowder give his sermon.