A major hazardous materials emergency unfolded in Weatherford overnight and into Thursday morning, after a tanker truck began leaking a large plume of anhydrous ammonia, leading to the hospitalization of dozens and the evacuation of hundreds of residents.
The incident began late Wednesday, around 10 p.m., in the parking lot of the Holiday Inn Express. According to authorities, the driver of the tanker truck had parked for the evening when the leak began, reportedly from a mechanical failure on a valve or a faulty seal.
First responders arriving on the scene found people in the immediate area in respiratory distress. As the toxic gas cloud spread, emergency officials, wearing gas masks, went door-to-door, initiating a large-scale evacuation.
As of Thursday morning, here is the current situation:
- Hospitalizations: At least 36 people have been transported to local hospitals for treatment, primarily for respiratory distress. At least four of those patients are in critical condition and, along with others, have been transferred to different hospitals for more advanced care.
- Evacuations: Between 500 and 600 people were evacuated from the area, including several nursing homes and senior living facilities. A temporary shelter was established at the Pioneer Event Center at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU).
- Closures: The situation has shut down a significant portion of the city. Weatherford Public Schools and SWOSU have both canceled all classes for Thursday. An exit from Interstate 40 to Weatherford was also shut down.
- Current Status: Authorities reported Thursday morning that the tanker is no longer actively leaking. A “shelter-in-place” order for a part of the city has been lifted. Hazmat crews and the Oklahoma National Guard are on the scene monitoring air quality. However, officials noted that a lack of wind is slowing the dissipation of the gas cloud.
Anhydrous ammonia is a chemical commonly used as a fertilizer in agriculture. When released, it forms a vapor that is toxic and can cause severe burns to the skin, eyes, and lungs.
Weatherford Police Chief Angelo Orefice stated that the cleanup of the site could take several days.
EPA’s Scott Mason gave the following statement:
Today at 12:58 am, EPA was notified of a release of anhydrous ammonia at 1311 East Main Street in Weatherford, OK, that resulted from a leaking gasket from a tanker truck carrying 25,000 pounds of ammonia. The Oklahoma Fire Department and the Oklahoma National Guard 63rd Civil Support Team initially responded to the incident and are on-site. EPA mobilized to the area and is currently performing community air monitoring and is supporting the response.
A 1.5-mile evacuation radius was ordered, and local responders from Custer County confirmed there are health impacts to 36 residents who were hospitalized. Out of caution, local officials called for schools to be closed in the area. Local responders have also reported that a mix of ammonia and vapor suppression water entered a storm drain, impacting nearby Timber Creek. EPA is working closely with state and local responders to ensure public health in the community and the environment are protected
