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Mayor Says Blast-Damaged Texas Town Will Rebuild

The mayor of a Texas town devastated by a deadly fertilizer plant explosion says he expects the community to rebuild and he'll do the same. West Mayor Tommy Muska said Tuesday that his hometown of about 2,700 has received donations from across the country since the April 17 accident.

WEST, Texas (AP) -- The mayor of a Texas town devastated by a deadly fertilizer plant explosion says he expects the community to rebuild and he'll do the same.

West Mayor Tommy Muska (MOOSH'-kuh) said Tuesday that his hometown of about 2,700 has received donations from across the country since the April 17 accident.

Investigators are trying to determine what sparked the blast that leveled the West Fertilizer Co. plant, left 14 people dead and damaged dozens of structures.

Muska says town officials are seeking state and federal assistance. He says the community is strong, resilient and "it will come back."

The 55-year-old mayor and insurance agent says his damaged four-bedroom home must be demolished but he'll rebuild. Muska, his wife and 14-year-old daughter are renting a house in an undamaged part of West.

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