Cause of West Explosion Undetermined

During an afternoon news conference, authorities today revealed that they are still not able to definitively determine the cause of the West Fertilizer Co. explosion.

The possible causes of the blast have been narrowed to a failure in one of the plant's two electrical systems, a battery on a golf cart, or arson. Several other possibilities – including ammonium nitrate, spontaneous ignition, and smoking – have been ruled out.

The golf cart, which possibly had a recalled battery, could not be ruled out because the pieces had not been fully recovered. Authorities said that the blast destroyed 37 blocks, creating a 93 feet wide crater.

Officials are continuing the probe as a criminal investigation. Robert Champion, the Agent in Charge at the Dallas ATF office , however said "we will not speculate" on whether Bryce Ashley Reed was connected to the investigation. Reed, a former paramedic who helped victims following the explosion, was arrested for possession of a destructive device earlier this month. He later entered a not guilty plea.

According to investigators, there are no longer any missing persons.