Toxic Chemical Spill Prompts Evacuations in Weatherford, Oklahoma

WEATHERFORD, Okla. — About 1,000 residents were evacuated from their homes in Weatherford after a semi-truck crashed and spilled a toxic chemical late Wednesday night. The incident occurred around 10 p.m., prompting emergency alerts an hour later, according to local authorities.

Witnesses reported seeing individuals wearing gas masks going door to door to alert residents of the danger. Police have warned that the air quality in the area is unsafe to breathe, and at least 36 people have been hospitalized due to exposure to the chemical, identified as ammonia.

Schools in Weatherford have canceled classes for the day, and Southwestern Oklahoma State University also announced that it would not hold classes Thursday. The city issued an emergency alert advising residents to evacuate to Davis Avenue, from Washington Avenue to Lyle Road. The designated safe location is the Pioneer Cellular Center, also known as the SWOSU Basketball Gym.

Weatherford Emergency Manager Mike Karlin confirmed that the leak originated from a tanker in the parking lot of the Holiday Inn Express. Local authorities responded swiftly after receiving reports of a strong chemical odor and individuals suffering from respiratory distress symptoms.

Those experiencing any medical symptoms are advised to call 911 or seek medical personnel stationed at Ace Hardware. Hazmat teams are currently on site working to contain the leak and assess air quality.

The cause of the tanker crash is still under investigation, and city officials continue to monitor the situation as it develops.