Overview
- An 8,500-gallon tanker truck parked behind the Holiday Inn Express began leaking anhydrous ammonia around 10 p.m. Wednesday, sending a toxic plume over parts of Weatherford.
- Hundreds of residents and hotel guests were evacuated to Southwestern Oklahoma State University’s Pioneer Event Center as others were initially told to shelter in place and nearby I-40 exits were briefly closed.
- Thirty-six people were hospitalized, with 11 transferred to Oklahoma City hospitals and four flown in critical condition, according to local officials.
- Hazmat teams and an Oklahoma National Guard unit assisted the response as authorities continue air-quality checks and advise exposed residents to shower and air out clothing and homes.
- Police said preliminary findings point to a mechanical failure on a valve or faulty seal, and officials expect cleanup and monitoring near East Main Street and Cypress Drive to take several days.