A search and rescue operation is continuing in Texas for victims of an explosion at a fertilizer plant in the town of West yesterday.

Up to 15 people died in the blast including a number of fire fighters and emergency response officers.

Officials at news conferences have so far been unwilling to give an exact figure on the number of confirmed fatalities but yesterday, Waco Police Sergeant William Patrick Swanton estimated the death toll was between five and 15.

Police say it's not clear how many people could still be trapped in the wreckage, and McLennan County Chief Deputy Sheriff Matt Cawthon has described the area around the site as "very volatile" because of the presence of ammonium nitrate.

Last night, locals gathered in the Church of the Assumption in West to remember those who died and to pray for the survivors.