Weatherford, OK – Weatherford officials released new details following the major anhydrous ammonia leak that occurred late Wednesday night behind the Holiday Inn Express.
The leak was reported around 9:58 p.m., prompting a large multi-agency emergency response. Roughly 50 first responders were on scene within the first hour. Weatherford Emergency Management took command, supported by the Oklahoma City Fire Department Hazmat team and the Oklahoma National Guard’s 63rd Civil Support Team.
An evacuation zone of about one square mile was ordered, covering nearby neighborhoods, three hotels, two assisted living centers, and several businesses. Between 300 and 500 residents were affected. Southwestern Oklahoma State University opened the Pioneer Cellular Event Center as a temporary shelter. A shelter in place order followed to limit exposure while crews worked to dilute the plume.
Weatherford schools and SWOSU suspended classes Thursday. The shelter in place order was lifted by 8 a.m., and residents were cleared to return.
Weatherford Regional Hospital treated about 34 patients. Five were airlifted to Oklahoma City hospitals and six more transported by ground. Dozens of others were treated on scene. About 14 Weatherford officers were exposed, with five suffering chemical burns to their airways. Many first responders were treated and released at the scene. No fatalities have been reported, though several victims remain in intensive care. Most are listed in stable condition.
Roughly 80 first responders assisted through the night, including units from Elk City, Hydro, Woodward County, Burns Flat, Clinton, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Custer County agencies, SWOSU Police, Oklahoma City Fire, the Oklahoma National Guard’s 63rd CST, the U.S. EPA, the Oklahoma DEQ, and several other state and federal partners.
The cause of the leak is still under investigation.
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