Hundreds evacuated and dozens hospitalized after an ammonia gas leak in Oklahoma

WEATHERFORD, Oklahoma — Hundreds of people were evacuated from an Oklahoma town and others were ordered to shelter in place after a leaking fuel truck in a hotel parking lot spewed a plume of anhydrous ammonia, authorities said Thursday.

The gas release occurred shortly before 10 p.m. Wednesday. Nearby residents were suffering from respiratory distress and at least 36 people were transported to a local hospital, city officials said at a news conference. Eleven of them were taken to other hospitals for further treatment.

At least 500 to 600 people were at a shelter Thursday morning, authorities said. Several retirement homes were evacuated and schools were closed for the day. Those who were asked to shelter in place were in a triangle-shaped area, including businesses that were advised to remain closed, authorities said.

Krystal Blackwell, who was evacuated, said emergency officials wore gas masks and knocked on doors.

“It was kind of crazy waking up,” Blackwell told KWTV-TV. “I really thought it was some kind of dream.” She said she was sitting in her car, still in her pajamas.

Authorities said air quality was being monitored and the tanker was no longer releasing gas, but the lack of wind was slowing efforts to dissipate it. A number of agencies were on hand to help, including hazardous materials teams and an Oklahoma National Guard unit that supports first responders in emergencies.

An exit from Interstate 40 toward Weatherford was closed, authorities said.

Anhydrous ammonia is used as a fertilizer to help provide nitrogen to corn and wheat plants. If a person touches it while it is in gaseous or liquid form, they could be burned. Last week, an anhydrous ammonia leak caused by an explosion at a factory north of Yazoo City, Mississippi, prompted the evacuation of nearby residents.

Weatherford has a population of about 12,000 and is about 70 miles west of Oklahoma City.