Late Wednesday an 8,500‑gallon tanker leaked anhydrous ammonia outside a Holiday Inn Express in Weatherford, Oklahoma, prompting the evacuation and temporary sheltering of several hundred people. Emergency crews stopped the leak and officials reported airborne concentrations fell to safe levels by Thursday morning. Weatherford Regional Hospital treated about 34 people, five were airlifted to OKC hospitals, and roughly a dozen officers were exposed (five with airway burns). No deaths were reported as of Thursday evening; several patients remained in intensive care while most were stable.
Anhydrous Ammonia Leak in Weatherford Hospitalizes Dozens, Evacuates Hundreds
Late Wednesday an 8,500‑gallon tanker leaked anhydrous ammonia outside a Holiday Inn Express in Weatherford, Oklahoma, prompting the evacuation and temporary sheltering of several hundred people. Emergency crews stopped the leak and officials reported airborne concentrations fell to safe levels by Thursday morning. Weatherford Regional Hospital treated about 34 people, five were airlifted to OKC hospitals, and roughly a dozen officers were exposed (five with airway burns). No deaths were reported as of Thursday evening; several patients remained in intensive care while most were stable.
04:45 AM, 11/14/2025Health
Anhydrous Ammonia Leak in Weatherford Hospitalizes Dozens, Evacuates Hundreds
Late Wednesday night an 8,500‑gallon tanker truck began leaking anhydrous ammonia outside a Holiday Inn Express in Weatherford, Oklahoma, prompting large-scale evacuations and multi-agency emergency response, officials said. The leak was reported at about 10:00 p.m.; crews stopped the release and, by Thursday morning, airborne levels had fallen to concentrations officials deemed safe for reentry.
Weatherford Police Chief Angelo Orefice and Emergency Manager Mike Karlin said first responders encountered hotel guests and nearby residents with respiratory distress as the chemical plume spread. Karlin described 'a large plume of anhydrous ammonia gas' that displaced hundreds of people; estimates of evacuees varied as the situation evolved, with figures ranging from roughly 300 to 600.
Weatherford Regional Hospital treated about 34 patients, and five more were airlifted to hospitals in the Oklahoma City area, according to a Thursday evening statement. Dozens additional people received care at three separate casualty collection points established by responders. As of Thursday evening, no fatalities had been reported; several patients remained in intensive care while most were listed as stable.
Approximately 14 police officers were exposed to the chemical; five sustained chemical burns to their airways. Many first responders were treated and released at the scene.
Southwest Oklahoma State University — which had been hosting some evacuees — canceled in‑person classes for Thursday and asked on‑campus residents to shelter in place with windows and doors closed, following first responders' guidance. Weatherford Public Schools also closed district facilities, and the Weatherford Police Department issued a public safety notice asking businesses to remain closed and directing residents in affected neighborhoods to shelter in place until further notice.
About anhydrous ammonia
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ammonia is a clear, pungent gas or liquid used in fertilizers and some industrial and pharmaceutical processes. Low, typical environmental concentrations are not harmful, but higher exposures can injure the eyes, skin, throat and lungs, and may cause coughing, respiratory distress or chemical burns.
'First responders worked quickly to secure the scene and reduce airborne concentrations so residents could return safely,' officials said.
Local officials continue to monitor the situation and update the public as more information becomes available.