Settlements reached in deadly West, Texas, fertilizer plant explosion

Feb. 21 (UPI) -- A judge approved partial settlements for 11 children and their families who filed claims after a 2013 West, Texas, fertilizer plant explosion.

Since the rulings involve children, the settlements are confidential, but they were approved Friday by McLennan County's 170th State District Judge Jim Meyer. The settlements only involved defendants El Dorado Chemical Co. and International Chemical Co. Claims against CF Industries and Adair Grain Co. remain pending.

The April 2013 explosion at the West Fertilizer Co. killed 15 people, mostly first responders. Hundreds were injured, and part of the city of West, 20 miles north of Waco, was destroyed.

Among those involved in Friday's settlement was Sandra Ortiz, whose husband, Mariano Saldivar, was killed in an apartment complex adjacent to the plant. Her son, 11, suffered abrasions from flying debris, as well as hearing loss, as he played in a local park.

An April 3 trial date is scheduled for claims filed by additional plaintiffs, including a nursing home destroyed in the blast, owners of the apartment complex and 10 insurance companies which have already settled claims. Three prior trials were canceled after the parties reached settlements.