A significant hazardous material incident unfolded in Oklahoma on Wednesday night, prompting a large-scale emergency response after a tanker truck began leaking anhydrous ammonia.
Emergency in Weatherford
The incident occurred in the city of Weatherford, located approximately 70 miles west of Oklahoma City. The tanker truck, which was parked outside a Holiday Inn Express, started spewing the dangerous gas. The driver had reportedly parked at the location to secure a room for the night.
According to the local police chief, the cause of the leak appeared to be a mechanical failure on a valve or a faulty seal. Authorities have not yet disclosed the total amount of the chemical that was released into the environment.
Widespread Impact and Evacuations
The consequences of the anhydrous ammonia leak were severe and immediate. Hundreds of people were evacuated from the area, with officials reporting that up to 600 individuals were staying in a shelter by early Thursday.
Residents in nearby zones were initially instructed to shelter in place, although this order was lifted by late Thursday morning. The evacuation efforts included several nursing homes, and local schools were closed for the day as a precaution. Dozens of people were hospitalised due to exposure to the hazardous gas.
Understanding Anhydrous Ammonia
Anhydrous ammonia is a common but dangerous chemical primarily used as a fertiliser to provide nitrogen for crops like corn and wheat. According to the industrial gas company Airgas, more than 80% of the anhydrous ammonia produced in the U.S. is used for fertiliser. It is also utilised as a refrigerant.
The substance is highly hazardous. If a person comes into contact with it in its gas or liquid form, it can cause severe chemical burns.
A History of Similar Incidents
This is not an isolated event. Just last week, an explosion at a manufacturer in Mississippi caused an anhydrous ammonia leak that forced nearby residents to evacuate their homes.
In a tragic 2023 accident in Illinois, five people died from exposure to the chemical after a tanker truck crashed. That incident led to the evacuation of about 500 people for several hours. Federal investigators were told that the truck was forced off the road by a minivan.
Other significant leaks involving this chemical have been recorded in recent years in locations such as Houston and Collins, Iowa, highlighting the ongoing risks associated with its transport and use.
