WEATHERFORD, Okla. — A significant emergency unfolded in Weatherford, Oklahoma, where hundreds of residents were evacuated following the release of anhydrous ammonia gas from a leaking tanker truck in a hotel parking lot. This incident occurred shortly before 10 p.m. on Wednesday, triggering a swift response from local authorities.
Reports indicate that individuals in the vicinity experienced respiratory distress, prompting 36 people to be transported to a local hospital. Among those admitted, eleven were later transferred to other medical facilities for additional care. As of Thursday morning, between 500 and 600 residents were being housed in emergency shelters, with nursing homes evacuated and schools closed in the area.
Officials advised others nearby to shelter in place within a designated triangular area, which included several businesses mandated to remain closed until the situation was deemed safe. Consequently, an exit from Interstate 40 leading into Weatherford was also closed to manage the emergency effectively.
Monitoring of air quality has been conducted by authorities, who confirmed that the leaking tanker was no longer releasing gas. However, efforts to disperse the residual gas have been hampered by calm wind conditions. A coordinated effort involving hazmat teams and an Oklahoma National Guard unit is currently underway to support first responders.
Anhydrous ammonia, commonly used as fertilizer for crops like corn and wheat, poses health risks, including potential burns upon skin contact in both gas and liquid forms. This incident comes on the heels of a similar crisis last week in Yazoo City, Mississippi, where an explosion led to an anhydrous ammonia leak, necessitating the evacuation of residents from nearby areas.
Weatherford, with a population of approximately 12,000, is located about 70 miles west of Oklahoma City. The community’s swift response to the emergency illustrates the importance of preparedness in the face of hazardous material incidents, ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents.