By Shawn Henry 
Oklahoma authorities ordered evacuations after a tanker truck began leaking ammonia gas, sending plumes of toxic vapor through a Weatherford neighborhood and into a nearby hotel parking lot. The leak caused multiple injuries and forced emergency responders to move quickly as the situation escalated overnight.
Police discovered the leak in the parking lot of a Holiday Inn, where the truck driver had stopped to rest. Investigators believe a mechanical failure—either a damaged valve or faulty seal—allowed the anhydrous ammonia to escape. The gas quickly spread, creating a hazardous cloud that affected both residents and first responders.
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Roughly 36 people were taken to a local hospital, while another 10 patients required transport to Oklahoma City due to more severe injuries, including burns and respiratory distress. Firefighters wearing gas masks went door to door in the surrounding area to wake sleeping residents and escort them outside. Police said the immediate goal was to move people out of the danger zone as quickly as possible.
Nearly 600 people sought refuge in emergency shelters, while others remained inside their homes under a shelter-in-place order. Nursing homes in the affected area were also evacuated, and local schools closed as crews worked to contain the leak. Ambulances were dispatched to transport residents with mobility issues.
According to reporting from News Talk KZRG, officials expect the cleanup process to take several days. Environmental teams are working to dilute the ammonia and monitor the air quality until levels return to safe limits.
Anhydrous ammonia is often used in agricultural applications as fertilizer. The colorless gas has a sharp, suffocating odor and can cause severe injuries to the eyes, lungs, and skin. Prolonged exposure can be fatal. Authorities say they will release additional updates as the cleanup continues and evacuation zones change.
John