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

A tanker truck leaking anhydrous ammonia gas in a hotel parking lot in Weatherford, Oklahoma, led to the evacuation of hundreds of residents and sent dozens to the hospital. The incident occurred shortly before 10 p.m. on Wednesday, with people in the vicinity experiencing respiratory distress. At least 36 individuals were transported to a local hospital, and by Thursday morning, between 500 and 600 people were housed in a shelter. In response to the leak, several nursing homes were evacuated, and schools were closed for the day. Southwest Oklahoma State University also canceled classes on its campus. Authorities monitored air quality and confirmed that the tanker truck was no longer releasing gas. Anhydrous ammonia, commonly used as fertilizer, can cause burns upon contact in its gas or liquid form, and local law enforcement had advised residents that the air was unsafe to breathe. This incident follows a similar anhydrous ammonia leak caused by an explosion at a plant in Mississippi the pre... download the app to read more