Weatherford Evacuations After Toxic Truck Crash
- mike33692
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
Hazardous Spill Forces Evacuation in Weatherford
Emergency crews in Weatherford, Oklahoma, responded late Wednesday night after a semi-truck crash released toxic ammonia gas into the air. According to News 9, at least 36 people were hospitalized and around 1,000 residents were temporarily evacuated.
The incident happened near the Holiday Inn Express close to Interstate 40, roughly 70 miles west of Oklahoma City. Authorities said the leaking tanker created a dangerous cloud, forcing officials to issue an emergency evacuation alert around 9:55 p.m.
Weatherford Police Chief Angelo Orefice told the Weatherford Daily News the air was too toxic to breathe, prompting immediate evacuations and road closures.
Shelter in Place Orders and School Closures
The City of Weatherford directed residents to evacuate north to Davis Avenue, between Washington Avenue and Lyle Road. Officials designated the Pioneer Cellular Center, located inside the SWOSU basketball gym, as a temporary shelter. Those experiencing medical symptoms were advised to seek help from paramedics stationed near Ace Hardware.
Police later issued a shelter-in-place order for other neighborhoods, urging residents to turn off HVAC systems to keep fumes from entering homes. Weatherford Public Schools canceled classes Thursday while emergency crews contained the spill and monitored air conditions.
Officials Cite Difficult Conditions
Weatherford Emergency Manager Mike Karlin told News 4 OKC that responders initially found the leaking tanker in a hotel parking lot, with several people already suffering respiratory distress. Karlin said calm winds and cold weather slowed cleanup efforts.
“Unfortunately, we have no wind. We need wind and heat to help dissipate the product,” he said.
Authorities confirmed evacuations included three senior living facilities, a hotel, and several homes near the crash site. As of Thursday morning, businesses east of Washington Street were advised to remain closed until further notice.
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