Executive Summary
- An ammonia leak from a tanker trailer occurred late Wednesday in a hotel parking lot in Weatherford, Oklahoma.
- The incident resulted in the evacuation of approximately 500 people and the hospitalization of 36 individuals.
- Eleven of the hospitalized patients are reported to be in critical condition.
- A shelter-in-place order was temporarily issued, and local schools and a university canceled classes as a precaution.
An ammonia leak from a tanker trailer in Weatherford, Oklahoma, on Wednesday night led to the hospitalization of 36 people and the evacuation of approximately 500 residents. The incident occurred around 10 p.m. in the parking lot of a Holiday Inn Express, prompting an immediate response from emergency services.
According to the Weatherford Fire Department, of the 36 individuals hospitalized, 11 were transferred to medical facilities in the Oklahoma City metro area in critical condition. Evacuees were sheltered at the Pioneer Event Center on the campus of Southwestern Oklahoma State University.
In response to the leak, Weatherford Emergency Management issued a shelter-in-place order for the area east of Washington Avenue, south of Davis Avenue, and north of Main Street. Officials advised residents within the zone to turn off HVAC systems to prevent chemical ingress. This order has since been lifted.
The chemical spill also disrupted local services and education. Weatherford Public Schools and Southwestern Oklahoma State University both canceled in-person classes for Thursday. University officials instructed students living on campus to shelter in place until the area was deemed safe.
Current Status
First responders have cleared the immediate danger, lifting the evacuation and shelter-in-place orders. Authorities continue to monitor air quality in the affected area. Some road closures and traffic diversions may remain in effect around the incident site as the cleanup and investigation continue.