Executive Summary
- A tanker truck carrying anhydrous ammonia leaked in Weatherford, Oklahoma, prompting large-scale evacuations and a shelter-in-place order.
- The order was lifted, but the incident resulted in 36 people being hospitalized, with four individuals sustaining life-threatening injuries.
- The leak reportedly occurred after the truck driver parked the vehicle for the night behind a local hotel.
- A multi-agency cleanup involving the EPA and the military is underway and is expected to take several days.
A shelter-in-place order has been lifted in Weatherford, Oklahoma, after a tanker truck carrying anhydrous ammonia began leaking Wednesday night, leading to the hospitalization of 36 people. According to Weatherford Police Chief Angelo Orefice, four of the individuals sustained life-threatening injuries and were airlifted for specialized treatment.
Evacuations and Emergency Response
The incident, which began around 10 p.m., prompted a large-scale evacuation of residents in the affected area, including three senior living centers and a hotel. An emergency shelter was established at the Pioneer Event Center at Southwestern Oklahoma State University. Public schools were closed, and the university canceled all in-person classes, advising students in on-campus housing to shelter in place with windows and doors closed.
Chief Orefice stated that the leak occurred after the truck driver parked the vehicle behind a hotel to get a room for the evening. A multi-agency response was initiated, involving local fire departments from Burns Flat, Clinton, Hydro, and Elk City, as well as the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Oklahoma City Fire Department, the National Guard, and county sheriff’s departments.
Cleanup and Resident Advisories
While residents have been cleared to return to their homes, authorities advise them to stay out of the immediate area of Main Street and Cypress, which will serve as the incident command post. The cleanup and recovery operation, which is being coordinated with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and assisted by the military, is expected to take several days. Chief Orefice urged local business owners to allow emergency services to conduct air quality tests before reopening.
Police have issued safety recommendations for returning residents, including ventilating homes by opening windows, disposing of any open food that may have been exposed, and showering immediately if they experience breathing difficulties. Clothes exposed to the ammonia fumes should be aired out before being washed.