The Insurance Council of Texas says insured losses are expected to reach $100 million from an explosion that killed 15 and injured hundreds last week in the town of West.
The explosion, and the shock wave that followed, destroyed approximately 140 homes while shattering glass, damaging doors and interiors on many others.
“The insured losses should reach $100 million as soon adjusters are allowed to inspect all of the structures and vehicles that were damaged,” said Mark Hanna, a spokesman for the Insurance Council of Texas, said in a news release Wednesday. “As far as I can tell, every policyholder in West has been contacted by their insurance company and help has been offered.”
The Insurance Council said Wednesday that additional living expense checks have been issued for some policyholders seeking shelter, food, clothing and transportation. Some policyholders, who are staying with family and friends, have turned down the checks, the council said.
According to the report, the number of uninsured seeking assistance is high and that the American Red Cross has met with approximately 180 families requesting financial help and a place to stay. Charles Blake, Jr., Texas Disaster Officer for the American Red Cross, said the agency has agreed to pay the first month’s rent for those in need of housing.
