Willie Nelson to play benefit show for West, Texas, firefighters

WEST, Texas, April 20 (UPI) -- Country star Willie Nelson announced he will play a concert to benefit the West, Texas, Volunteer Fire Department after this week's fertilizer plant explosion.

At least 14 people died, 200 people were injured and 150 homes, three rescue trucks and a fire truck were destroyed in Wednesday's fire and explosion at the West Fertilizer Co. plant.

Among the dead were five volunteer firefighters, the Los Angeles Times said.

"West is just a few miles from my hometown of Abbott," Nelson said in a statement. "I was born and raised here and it was my backyard growing up. This is my community. These friends and neighbors have always been and are still a part of my life. My heart is praying for the community that we call home."

Nelson was scheduled to play a show April 28 at a club in Austin, the Times reported. All proceeds from the show will now go to the volunteer fire unit in West, he said.

Nelson has also been posting updates on the disaster on his website -- www.willienelson.com -- as well as information on how to donate goods, money and blood for the victims.