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Hundreds of residents in Weatherford, Oklahoma, were evacuated after a tanker truck leaked anhydrous ammonia gas in a hotel parking lot on Wednesday night (November 12). The gas release occurred shortly before 10 p.m., prompting immediate evacuations and shelter-in-place orders for others in the area.
At least 36 individuals were hospitalized, with 11 requiring further treatment at other facilities. According to CNN, the leak affected 500 to 600 people, who were moved to shelters. Several nursing homes were evacuated, and schools in the area were closed for the day.
The Weatherford Police Department advised residents to stay indoors, close windows and doors, and turn off air conditioning and heating systems to prevent the gas from entering their homes. The lack of wind in the area has hindered the dispersion of the fumes, with officials hoping for increased wind speeds to help clear the air.
Weatherford, a city of about 12,000 residents located 70 miles west of Oklahoma City, is dealing with the aftermath of the leak. Anhydrous ammonia, commonly used as a fertilizer, can cause burns if it comes into contact with skin in gas or liquid form. The situation remains under monitoring, and authorities have not yet issued an all-clear order.