President Barack Obama contacted Texas Governor Rick Perry and the mayor of West, Texas while en route to Boston on board Air Force One this morning to discuss the fatal fertilizer plant fire that occurred in that town last night.
According to press pool reports, Obama told Perry “his prayers are with the people of West, Texas as they respond to the explosion last night” and offered “any federal resources that may be needed to assist in the ongoing response and recovery effort.” Though Obama placed a call to the mayor of West, they “have not yet connected.”
White House Deputy Press Secretary Josh Earnest told reporters on the flight that Obama was briefed on the fire, which left as many as 15 people dead and 160 injured “very, very early” this morning.
