West, Texas residents allowed back in homes

WEST, Texas — Residents in the town of West are allowed back in their homes.

A long line of residents waited to get in through the security checkpoints there. They had to have a special mark on their cars to get in. 

Right now there is limited access to water, electricity and natural gas.

Most haven't been home since the explosion Wednesday night.

One family lives so close to the blast zone that they're still waiting to be allowed back home.

"It's really hectic but we're patient because we know the extent of the damage on the other side and we've got friends and family we don't know about over there," said displaced resident Elizabeth Marquez Perea. 

Many residents are now starting to calculate the losses to their homes and property.

Donations are pouring in from across the state to help.