Ammonia leak in Oklahoma hospitalizes dozens, forces hundreds to evacuate

A massive ammonia leak late Wednesday night in Weatherford, Oklahoma sent dozens to the hospital and forced hundreds of residents to evacuate their homes, according to local authorities. Officials lifted evacuation orders Thursday morning after air quality levels returned to safe conditions. Weatherford, a city of about 12,000 residents, is located roughly 70 miles west of Oklahoma City The incident began around 10 p.m. when an 8,500-gallon tanker truck parked outside a Holiday Inn Express began leaking anhydrous ammonia, a toxic chemical commonly used in fertilizer and industrial applications. Weatherford Police Chief Angelo Orefice said crews quickly responded and