An unidentified man is treated at Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center in Waco. Photo courtesy of the Dallas News.

Hospital social worker Melissa James soon learned she had a personal connection to the fiery explosion of a fertilizer plant in West, Texas on Wednesday.

James was working at the Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center emergency room about 30 miles from the incident in Waco when her stepbrother and nephew arrived with head injuries and cuts from a broken windshield.

They had been driving near the blast scene, according to this Dallas News article.

Later James’ grandfather arrived from a nursing home that had been evacuated. He also suffered head injuries and cuts.

All three were treated and discharged.  “They just told me they were grateful to be alive,” James said.

According to news reports the blast killed at least 12 people and injured more than 200. Rescue teams are still searching through debris.

Social workers help people when disasters strike. To learn how to be better prepared when the unexpected occurs read this article from social worker John Weaver on the National Association of Social Workers’ “Help Starts Here” website.  Weaver, LCSW, BCD, ACSW, is a founding partner of EYE OF THE STORM, Inc., a private consultation and education group practice specializing in disaster mental health, crisis intervention, and risk management related training and support.