The massive explosion at a West, Texas fertilizer plant in 2013 was caused by arson, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms announced Wednesday.
In a series of tweets Wednesday afternoon, the ATF announced it is offering $50,000 for information on the fire at the fertilizer plants.
In April 2015, 15 people were killed after a huge explosion at the West Fertilizer plant knocked out windows and blasted off rooftops in the tiny Texas town. Nearby apartments were damaged, as were a nursing home and two schools.
A video captured the fire at the plant, followed by a gigantic explosion that rattled observers in the area:
Ten of the dead were first responders and two others were volunteers who tried to help in the aftermath of the blast. Debris from the incident landed as far as two miles away.
The investigation into the explosion is ongoing and the ATF’s Houston office has conducted more than 400 interviews during its investigation. According to the ATF, more than $2 million has already been spent investigating the explosion.
Officials said at a press conference refused to say if they had a suspect in the case and would not speculate on whether murder charges could be filed. Other causes have been ruled out, according to ATF officials.
The West Fertilizer Plant had not been inspected by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration for more than 30 years before the blast. West Fertilizer was fined about $119,000 for safety violations following the explosion, including the unsafe handling and storage of two fertilizers, anhydrous ammonia and ammonium nitrate.
The plant had previously been cited by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Transportation for regulatory violations between 2006 and 2013.
