The area around the West Fertilizer Company plant is presently being treated as a crime scene, even though there's no indication that this was an act of terrorism yet. However, we know beyond dispute that at least two crimes occurred. In the 24 hours since the explosion, we've learned that company officials falsely told the EPA there was no fire risk from the facility and that it didn't have even rudimentary fire safety equipment. If this is true--and there's little reason to doubt that it is--then all legal means must be utilized to ensure West Fertilizer is driven out of business.
To put it in the most diplomatic terms possible, this company has displayed staggeringly callous disregard for public safety. Any company that acts in this manner should pay the ultimate penalty--it should no longer exist. Whether it's driven into bankruptcy or merged into another company, it doesn't matter--West Fertilizer cannot be permitted to exist in its current form after this. And the company's owners should be before a judge.
Peanut Corporation of America was forced into bankruptcy after being pinpointed as the cause of a massive salmonella outbreak in 2008 and 2009. Massey Energy was forced to merge with Alpha Natural Resources. West Fertilizer deserves the same fate. It must be driven out of existence.