Ammonia Gas Leak in Oklahoma City Prompts Evacuations and Hospitalizations
Hundreds of people have been evacuated and dozens hospitalized in Weatherford, Oklahoma, after a tanker truck released a plume of ammonia gas into the air. The gas, which is commonly used in fertilizers and as a refrigerant, has been lingering due to a lack of wind, creating hazardous conditions for residents.
The incident occurred in a hotel parking lot, where a half-full tanker truck began leaking anhydrous ammonia gas on Wednesday night. Authorities quickly responded to the scene, and by 10:30 am on Thursday, the air quality had reached safe levels, allowing residents to return home.
Response Efforts and Precautions
The Weatherford Police Department advised residents to air out their homes by opening doors and windows. Meanwhile, schools in the area remain closed, and students in on-campus housing at Southwestern Oklahoma State University were instructed to shelter in place. First responders recommended that students keep windows and doors closed to prevent the chemicals from entering their homes.
As of Thursday morning, 36 people had been taken to the hospital, and at least 500-600 people were moved to a shelter, including residents of three senior living centers. Others in the area were told to remain indoors with all doors and windows closed, and to turn off their AC/Heating systems to prevent the chemicals from entering their homes. 
A generic photo of police tape.
(David von Diemar / Unsplash / FOX Weather)
Weather Conditions and Air Quality
According to a FOX Forecast Center analysis of data from nearby weather stations, winds have remained lower than 5mph since 11 pm on Wednesday, with hopes that gusts may increase Thursday afternoon to 15mph to help clear the air. The lack of wind has been a significant factor in the persistence of the hazardous conditions.
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