Hundreds Evacuated After Hazardous Ammonia Leak in Oklahoma
A dangerous chemical emergency unfolded in Weatherford, Oklahoma, on Wednesday night, forcing hundreds of residents from their homes and sending dozens to the hospital. The incident began shortly before 10 p.m. when a tanker truck began leaking, releasing a toxic plume of anhydrous ammonia gas in a hotel parking lot.
Immediate Crisis and Emergency Response
Authorities reported that people in the immediate vicinity experienced respiratory distress due to the gas. Emergency crews, including personnel wearing gas masks, swiftly began evacuating the area and going door-to-door to alert residents. Krystal Blackwell, one of the evacuees, described the chaotic scene to KWTV-TV, stating, "It was a little crazy to wake up to. I really thought it was a kind of dream." She found herself sitting in her car, still in her pajamas.
The response was massive, involving multiple agencies such as hazmat crews and an Oklahoma National Guard unit specifically trained to support first responders during such emergencies. While authorities confirmed that the tanker had stopped spewing gas, a lack of wind was hampering efforts to dissipate the existing chemical cloud. Air quality was being closely monitored throughout the ordeal.
Widespread Impact and Community Disruption
The consequences of the leak were severe and far-reaching. City officials confirmed that at least 36 people were transported to a local hospital, with 11 of those patients requiring further treatment at other medical facilities. By Thursday morning, between 500 to 600 displaced residents had taken shelter in a designated area.
The disruption extended across the community. Several nursing homes were evacuated as a precaution, and schools were closed for the day. Authorities established a triangle-shaped zone where people were ordered to shelter in place, and businesses within that area were advised to remain closed. To manage the situation, an exit from the major Interstate 40 leading into Weatherford was shut down.
Anhydrous ammonia is primarily used as an agricultural fertilizer. It poses a significant health risk, capable of causing severe burns if it touches the skin in its gas or liquid form. This incident echoes a similar anhydrous ammonia leak last week in Mississippi, which was caused by a plant explosion and also led to evacuations. Weatherford, a city of approximately 12,000 residents located about 70 miles west of Oklahoma City, is now grappling with the aftermath of this significant hazardous material event.
