West, Texas
West is a city in Texas. Despite its name it is not located in West Texas, but in Central Texas north of Waco (it is named for a local settler who donated land for the railroad); as such, locals usually pronounce it "West Comma Texas".
Settled by Czech immigrants, the Czech Stop (a bakery known for its kolaches) is a popular stop for travelers along Interstate 35.
In 2013 an explosion at a fertilizer plant tragically killed 15 people (12 of whom were first responders). The cause of the explosion (specifically whether it was deliberate) was never conclusively determined. Tributes came in from all over the world, including Pope Francis (the town is predominantly Catholic).[1] Another "explosion" took place in 1896, a staged train wreck at a temporary "town" three miles south of the city (ironically, named "Crush", though it was actually the surname of the railroad employee who came up with the publicity stunt designed to attract passengers; tragically, two people died and several others were injured).
