Latest updates:
9.15pm: This statement from West mayor Tommy Muska:
"At approximately 7:30 the West fertilizer plant was on fire, fully consumed, the West fire department, volunteer fire department, responded at approximately 7:55 the plant exploded.
Approximately 50-60 houses in a five block area, radius, were damaged, heavily damaged. West Rest Haven, located a couple of blocks from the fertilizer plant was in the process of being evacauted during the fire when the explosion occured.
The rest home, nursing home, has evacuated and taken all their patients out to safe locations. All residents in that area have been evacuated and are in safe locations.
I do not have exact numbers of casualities at this time, are hurt, we took over 160 to the Waco hospitals, area hospitals, for treatment.
Search and rescue teams have been working through the night, combing the West Rest Haven as well as the fire...as the fertilizer plant, and also a thorough check of the neighbourhood. That is continuing as we speak.
For those who are missing a loved one or need information, we will have a line set up at the West community centre, that's 254-8264-115, at the West community centre after 9am. We will have another press conference at four o'clock. Thank you and I ask for your prayers."
6.45pm: The death toll is currently estimated to be between five and 15 people. There is very little information on the exact numbers as the fire continues to burn and missing people are accounted for.
5.08pm: The mayor of West, Texas says there are as many as seven firefighters unaccounted for. They were on site, responding to the initial fire when the explosion occured.
The death toll is still unknown, although authorities say there are "a number" of people killed.
4.51pm: The fertiliser plant reported to the Environmental Protection Agency and local public safety officials that it presented no risk of fire or explosion, documents show.
The plant reported having up to 24,494kg of anhydrous ammonia on hand, but stated "no" under fire or explosive risks, according to The Dallas Morning News.
3.26pm: More images have emerged of the aftermath of the explosion: 
3.07pm: Department of Safety spokesperson D.L. Wilson has just given a press conference. He says there are confirmed fatalities.
"I can't confirm the number. It's going to be a number, I can't give you a number right now," he said.
He also said:
-All those who are injured have now been taken care of.
-The fire is still smouldering but under control.
-The major concern now is for the weather, with a storm and strong winds expected throughout the night.
3.00pm: Another report from Hillcrest hospital. Note: there are several other hospitals in the area.
2.48pm: Local newspaper the Waco Tribune reports several firefighters who were attending the scene before the explosion remain unaccounted for.
It also claims several buildings near the plant caught fire, including a school.
2.40pm: No known fatalities at Hillcrest Baptist Hospital in Waco, according to reports.
2.10pm: The Mayor of West, Texas has told US media it is too early to tell how many people have been killed by the fire and explosion.
2.19pm: Amateur video has emerged, apparently capturing the explosion.
Watch: Amateur video of Texas explosion
Earlier: Reporters near the scene file these pictures of a huge explosion at a Texas fertiliser plant. Details of how many have been injured remain unclear.
Apartment near explosion in West, TX, courtesy of WFAA. #west twitpic.com/ck43k3
Massive emergency response in #West, TX for explosion & fires. At 10 @ktvu#TwitPict twitpic.com/ck3u21
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