Fertilizer Explosion Response Team Includes Texas Insurance Department

The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) reports it is working in conjunction with other public agencies in responding to the April 17 fire and explosion at a fertilizer facility in West, Texas, which resulted in fatalities, serious bodily injuries and widespread property damage.

TDI will be providing assistance through the State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO), its Consumer Protection resources, and the Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) to assist those affected by the incident.

“We extend our condolences to the families of those killed or injured in the explosion,” said Commissioner of Insurance Eleanor Kitzman and Commissioner of Workers’ Compensation Rod Bordelon, in a joint statement. “TDI and DWC are utilizing the full resources of the agency to assist those affected by this terrible event.”

SFMO is the lead fire investigation agency for Texas, and is partnering with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to conduct a joint investigation of the entire incident. SFMO staff are on-site and the investigation is underway.

For people who have suffered property damage, consumer assistance is available from TDI. If your property was damaged in the explosion, TDI recommends that you contact your insurance agent as soon as possible to begin the claims process.

TDI staff will also be on-site beginning April 19 to provide direct assistance regarding insurance questions.

The Insurance Information Institute issued a reminder that injuries and property damage caused by the fertilizer facility explosion will be covered by property/casualty insurance.

Workers injured by falling debris or burned as a result of the explosion will be covered by workers’ compensation for medical costs, rehabilitation (if necessary) and lost wages, the I.I.I said.

Damage to buildings and business property will be covered by commercial insurance.

Renters insurance and condo/co-op insurance policies will cover damage to policyholders’ personal property. Policyholders will be covered for the cost of additional living expenses if their home is now unsafe to live in because of the disaster.

Damage to vehicles will be covered by the comprehensive portion of an auto insurance policy, the I.I.I. said.

The TDI-DWC announced it is providing a hotline and resource links regarding assistance for fire fighters, City of West employees and workers’ compensation system participants:

• Division of Workers’ Compensation www.tdi.texas.gov/wc/indexwc.html
• State Firemen’s & Fire Marshals’ Association of Texas www.sffma.org
• Texas Municipal League Intergovernmental Risk Pool www.tmlirp.org

The DWC Hotline is 1-800-372-7713 or 512-804-4102 in Austin.

Topics Texas Workers' Compensation Property