Dozens of people were hospitalized — including several in critical condition — after a truck leaked ammonia gas near a hotel in Weatherford, Oklahoma.
The leak occurred on the evening of Wednesday, Nov. 12, when a tanker truck began releasing toxic gas while parked in a Holiday Inn lot, according to reports from The New York Times, CNN, CBS affiliate KWTV and ABC affiliate KOCO.
KOCO reported that 36 people were taken to hospitals and 11 remained in critical condition. KWTV stated that approximately 1,000 residents were evacuated from their homes, while CNN noted an additional 500 to 600 people were instructed to shelter in place.
The Weatherford Police Department said in an earlier alert: “Due to an accidental chemical release, The Weatherford Emergency Department is requesting all residents East of Washington St, South of Davis Ave, North of Main St to shelter in place until further notice.” Residents were advised to turn off heating and air conditioning systems to limit exposure.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that ammonia exposure can lead to symptoms such as coughing, abdominal pain, and temporary or permanent blindness, and high levels may be fatal.
By Thursday, Nov. 13, air quality had improved enough for the shelter-in-place order to be lifted.
“Residents can return home at this time,” police said. They encouraged people to ventilate their homes and wash thoroughly if they experienced exposure. Anyone feeling ill should contact emergency services immediately.
Nearby businesses were advised to coordinate with officials stationed in a Taco Bell parking lot, where fire personnel were conducting air-quality checks upon request.
At a press briefing Thursday morning, Weatherford Police Chief Angel Orefice said the cause of the leak had not yet been confirmed. He noted the ammonia may have escaped due to a malfunctioning valve or faulty seal.
According to Orefice, the truck driver had parked overnight behind the hotel, and the incident is being investigated as an accident. Cleanup is expected to continue for several days, with the Environmental Protection Agency assisting in managing hazardous waste disposal.
Witnesses told KWTV they saw people coughing and struggling to breathe. One person described the scene: “It was a spicy smell, very spicy smell. We went out from the room and we saw people… coughing. So I understand something was wrong over there.”
Weatherford, located in western Oklahoma, has a population of more than 12,000, according to the latest census data.
