Hundreds Flee After Tanker Leak at Holiday Inn Express
Hundreds of residents and guests were forced to flee their homes and hotels in Weatherford Wednesday night after a tanker truck carrying toxic anhydrous ammonia began leaking in the parking lot of a Holiday Inn Express.
The leak from the 8,500-gallon tanker created a dangerous plume of ammonia gas that spread through the area, prompting a citywide hazmat response and mass evacuation.
Weatherford Police Chief Angelo Orefice said emergency crews responded quickly and were able to stop the leak before dawn.
Dozens Hospitalized, Several in Critical Condition
Over 30 Transported for Treatment
Authorities confirmed that dozens were rushed to hospitals for treatment following the 10 p.m. incident. At least 36 people were transported, 11 were moved to a regional facility, and four were flown to Oklahoma City hospitals in critical condition.
One televised report placed the number of critically injured at 11, though officials have not yet confirmed the discrepancy.
Evacuation Totals Still Unclear
Emergency Manager Mike Karlin estimated that 500 to 600 people were displaced from nearby homes and the hotel, many relocated to temporary shelters.
Chief Orefice offered a slightly lower estimate of 300 to 500 evacuees, while one television report claimed as many as 1,000 people were forced to evacuate.
SWOSU and Public Schools Closed
University Students Told to Shelter in Place
Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) canceled classes after some evacuees were housed on campus. The university also issued a shelter-in-place order due to ammonia fumes drifting toward campus housing.
“First responders on scene have recommended that all students in SWOSU on-campus housing shelter in place due to the fumes,” the university said. “Students in residence halls should remain indoors and keep windows and doors closed.”
Public Schools Shut Down
Weatherford Public Schools were also closed Thursday as a precaution while emergency crews continued cleanup and air-quality monitoring around the hotel and surrounding neighborhoods.
Residents Ordered to Shelter in Place
Citywide Safety Notice Issued Thursday Morning
Police issued a public safety notice Thursday morning urging residents in affected neighborhoods to shelter in place until further notice.
“Residents in this area are encouraged to turn off their AC and heating systems to prevent chemicals from entering their home,” officials said. “Businesses in this area should remain closed.”
Authorities continued to test air quality throughout the day, and no fatalities had been reported as of Thursday afternoon.
The cause of the leak remains under investigation.
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