Ammonia Leak From Tanker Truck In US Hospitalises Dozens, Hundreds Evacuated

Last Updated:November 14, 2025, 01:56 IST

A leaking tanker truck released ammonia gas in Weatherford, Oklahoma, hospitalizing 36 people, forcing hundreds to evacuate.

Business owners and first responders gather in a shopping center parking lot near the scene of an ammonia spill in Weatherford, Oklahoma. (IMAGE: AP PHOTO)

A leaking tanker truck emitted dangerous amounts of ammonia gas in a hotel parking lot in the town of Weatherford, in US’ Oklahoma, sending several dozen people to the hospital and forcing hundreds of residents to evacuate.

The shelter-in-place order was lifted on Thursday morning. Hours before the order was lifted, firefighters wearing gas masks went door-to-door in Weatherford and woke people up and told them to leave because of fumes from the anhydrous ammonia leak.

Anhydrous ammonia is used as a farm fertilizer to help corn and wheat grow. The colorless gas has a pungent, suffocating odor and can be deadly, especially at high concentrations, or cause breathing problems and burns to the skin and eyes.

At least 36 people were hospitalised and were treated in its emergency room, according to officials from the Weatherford Regional Hospital who spoke to the Associated Press.

One person was admitted in good condition and 10 were taken to hospitals in Oklahoma City, Darin Farrell, president of Weatherford Regional Hospital said.

Police Chief Angelo Orefice earlier said that four patients were in critical condition.

The tanker truck began billowing ammonia late Wednesday, causing those in the immediate area to suffer from respiratory distress, city officials said at a news conference.

At least 500 to 600 people went to a shelter early Thursday while others were ordered to remain inside their homes for several hours. Some nursing homes were evacuated, and schools were closed for the day.

Shankhyaneel Sarkar

Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a Chief Sub-Editor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over seven years of experience during which he has covered se...Read More

Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a Chief Sub-Editor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over seven years of experience during which he has covered se...

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News world Ammonia Leak From Tanker Truck In US Hospitalises Dozens, Hundreds Evacuated

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