Residents of Weatherford, Oklahoma, were thrown into a state of panic early Thursday after a major chemical leak prompted mass evacuations. About 1,000 people were forced to leave their homes, while hundreds more were initially told to shelter in place as officials scrambled to contain the situation.
Terrifying Early Morning Alerts
Locals described being woken by police wearing gas masks pounding on doors, urging them to leave immediately. The incident centered around a Holiday Inn Express parking lot, where an 8,500-gallon Airgas tanker carrying anhydrous ammonia had crashed the previous night.
According to Weatherford Police Chief Angelo Orefice, the truck driver had parked the damaged trailer behind the hotel and spent the night inside before authorities were alerted.
Hospitalizations and Health Risks
At least 36 people suffered respiratory issues and were taken to nearby hospitals, with 11 patients later transferred to critical care units in the Oklahoma City area. Anhydrous ammonia, a common fertilizer gas, can be extremely dangerous in both gas and liquid forms, causing burns, throat irritation, and breathing difficulties.
Officials emphasized that the leak is currently being treated as an accident, and authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.
Evacuations and Safety Measures
Residents were relocated to Southwestern Oklahoma State University’s Pioneer Center, while a shelter-in-place order covered 500 to 600 people. That order has since been lifted. Schools, including SWOSU, were closed for the day, and several nursing homes were evacuated as a precaution.
Local residents recounted the unsettling scenes. “I smelled something was wrong, even with the door closed,” one man said. Another described a “spicy smell” and seeing neighbors coughing outside their rooms.
Road Closures and Business Impacts
Interstate 40 exits in both directions remained closed Thursday morning while response crews continued their work. Local businesses were required to have air quality checks before reopening, and authorities warned that cleanup could take several days.
Chief Orefice said the chemical has been largely diluted, but the Environmental Protection Agency is working alongside local teams to fully remove the hazardous material.
Airgas Responds to the Incident
Airgas, the Pennsylvania-based industrial gas distributor responsible for the tanker, stated that it is cooperating fully with local authorities. A company spokesperson stressed that the safety of the community and first responders is their top priority.
Monitoring Continues
The tanker is no longer releasing gas, but officials continue to monitor Weatherford’s air quality. While the immediate danger has lessened, the town faces a slow recovery as cleanup efforts remain underway. Residents and businesses are being advised to follow official guidance until authorities declare the area fully safe.