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By Joe Edwards and Shane Croucher
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A semi-truck crash in Weatherford, Oklahoma, released toxic ammonia into the air on Wednesday, hospitalizing 36 people, News 9 reported. Around 1,000 local residents were evacuated from their homes, the report said.
The city of around 12,000 people is located on the I-40, around 70 miles west of Oklahoma City.
The Context
The City of Weatherford issued an emergency evacuation alert at around 9:55 p.m. local time due to a chemical spill. Weatherford Police Chief Angelo Orefice warned that the air was too toxic to breathe, the Weatherford Daily News reported.
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What To Know
"Evacuate north to Davis Ave and from Washington Ave to Lyle Rd," the emergency alert said. "Safety location is Pioneer Cellular Center (SWOSU Basketball Gym). If you are having medical symptoms, call 911, or medical personnel located at Ace Hardware."
Weatherford Police Department issued a shelter in place notice for other areas and said that local schools would be closed for the day.
News 4 reported comments from Weatherford emergency manager Mike Karlin, who said authorities received a report of a tanker truck potentially leaking in the Holiday Inn Express parking area close to the interstate. Karlin said that when responders arrived at the hotel, they discovered the leaking tanker along with people nearby who appeared to be experiencing respiratory distress who were evacuated.
News 4’s report said that three senior living facilities, a hotel, and multiple homes were also evacuated.
The outlet added that according to Karlin, wind conditions and cold were hindering crews as they attempted to respond to the incident.
“Unfortunately we have no wind,” Karlin reportedly said. “We haven’t had any wind all evening. We need wind to help us dissipate, we need heat to help us dissipate the product.”
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What People Are Saying
Weatherford Police Department said in a statement: "Due to an accidental chemical release, the Weatherford Emergency Department is requesting all residents East of Washington St, South of Davis Ave, North of Main St to shelter in place until further notice.
"Residents in this area are encouraged to turn off their AC/heating systems to prevent the chemicals from entering their home. Businesses in this area should remain closed. Weatherford Public Schools has closed down all campuses today."
What Happens Next
Karlin reportedly told News 4 that businesses on either side of Washington Street are advised to remain closed until the matter is resolved.
Update, 11/13/2025, 9:23 a.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
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