Mass Evacuation in Weatherford After Toxic Leak Sends Dozens to Hospitals

UPDATE: A catastrophic chemical leak in Weatherford, Oklahoma, has forced a mass evacuation, sending dozens to local hospitals and leaving four individuals in critical condition. The emergency unfolded late Wednesday night when a tanker truck carrying anhydrous ammonia malfunctioned in a hotel parking lot, releasing toxic fumes that affected hundreds.

At approximately 10 p.m. local time on November 13, 2025, the truck experienced a valve failure while parked outside the Holiday Inn. Emergency responders, equipped with gas masks, rushed to evacuate residents, with reports indicating that between 500 and 1,000 people were forced to leave their homes, including guests at the hotel and three senior living facilities.

Weatherford resident Krystal Blackwell recounted the chaos, stating, “It was a little crazy to wake up to. I really thought it was a kind of dream.” Emergency shelters were quickly established to accommodate evacuees, with a capacity of up to 600 people, as schools were closed and multiple nursing homes were emptied.

Local authorities mobilized hazmat teams and the Oklahoma National Guard to manage the situation effectively. Police Chief Angelo Orefice reported that hospitals treated dozens of patients for respiratory issues, with the most severe cases being transferred to specialized medical facilities.

As of Thursday morning, officials lifted the shelter-in-place order after crews diluted the hazardous chemical. However, the cleanup process is expected to take several days. The U.S. Department of Transportation confirmed that the incident covered a square mile, with the area affected still under monitoring.

In a statement, Airgas, a Pennsylvania-based gas distributor, emphasized the need for cautious handling of anhydrous ammonia, which is primarily used as an agricultural fertilizer and can cause serious burns upon contact.

Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant as cleanup efforts continue. This incident follows a similar ammonia leak in Mississippi that also led to evacuations, raising concerns about public safety regarding hazardous materials.

Stay tuned for further updates as this developing story unfolds.