Jim Ryan Reporting News Today

Air, ammonia compounds still in the air, evacuations nearby. also concern about a second fertilizer tank that could explode, presumably a massive type explosion like we already saw. what can you tell us about these dual concerns right now from where youre at? >> reporter: thats still a concern the fires are not out. yes, theyre under control. yes, they are contained within the plant, the fertilizer factory that blew up, but, yes, there is that tank inside there that still contains some ammonia o...

Fatalities. he wouldnt put a number on it. neither would the mayor/volunteer fire department firefighter, but he says, the mayor believes, there may be firefighters still unattended for. >> the big concern, the firefighters that rushed in to put out the initial flames before the massive blast. jim, the scene where youre at right now, how far are you from the fertilizer plant, and what are you seeing when you look to the left and to the right? >> reporter: well, its extremely dark out here now, o...

Inspiration, not just to people in their specific situations, but really anyone who feels trapped by an abusive partner, a parent or even a boss. i think it took a lot of guts for them to tell their stories today but it took even more to make the change and venture out on their own. not sure where they were going, but knowing they had to leave. we wish them all continued success. if you have a comment about todays show, visit us at katie couric.com or like us on facebook to share your thoughts. ...

There. so that will be the process. its going on now, and it will continue in probably a bigger way after sunrise. >> once again, abcs jim ryan reporting from very close to the plant explosion. we thank you for joining us this morning, jim. >> a developing situation. we want to go right now to our dallas affiliate, wfaa, and listen in to that stations wall to wall coverage from west texas. >> doctors and nurses that came in when they issued that code green emergency alert. the ceo of the hospi...

Explosion site, said he felt his entire house shake. he and his wife and son then jumped in the pickup truck. they were concerned about his wifes mother. so they drove to the retirement home just across the street from the fertilizer factory. the factory, by the way, the plant is almost in the middle of town. this whole community sort of grew up around it, as so many agricultural communities do. they got to the retirement home and found it in ruins. they did manage to find mike bakers mother-in-...

Like they havent heard from their loved ones yet? have they told you anything? >> reporter: weve heard of some those reports concerning firefighters as well. we havent really been able to confirm anything. we havent gotten anything official that we can truly report, but there has been some concern about firefighters who were hurt in this explosion because it happened, of course, while they were there. >> absolutely. steve osunsami, abc news. thank you for that report. well check back. we also ...