Last week, an ammonia leak sent dozens of residents to the hospital after a tanker truck driver discovered the vehicle he was operating was leaking the poisonous gas.
According to news reports, this was an unprecedented chemical disaster.
About the Leak
Officials believe the leak occurred due to a mechanical failure of a gasket or valve on a tanker truck carrying 25,000 pounds of anhydrous ammonia. The problem was first detected by the truck’s driver behind a Holiday Inn Express in Weatherford, Oklahoma, but it quickly spread to other areas, forming a toxic cloud over several blocks.
Extensive Damage
The discovery led to frantic efforts to alert the hotel’s guests and evacuate the area. A mass emergency response was underway, forcing the evacuation of over 500 residents in the area to emergency shelters as authorities attempted to contain and investigate the deadly exposure. Public schools and businesses in the area were ordered closed.
Hazardous material crews diluted the gas with over 2.4 million gallons of water and monitored air quality. Federal agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency, also responded and are currently investigating the incident.
More than 50 people were hospitalized due to the leak, according to News9. Eleven people were listed in critical condition, and five were airlifted to trauma centers in Oklahoma City. Survivors spoke of harrowing tales in which they were unable to breathe and are still using inhalers to help with the respiratory response to breathing in the toxic fumes. Victims suffered headaches, loss of consciousness, burns, chest pain, and respiratory distress.
Some of the victims were first responders. Hundreds remained displaced in the days following the leak as cleanup efforts continued.
Contact Cain Law for Legal Assistance
Cain Law is a local personal injury law firm that has recovered over $250 million for Oklahoma residents injured by the negligence of others. Cain Law has ample experience handling personal injury cases involving fumes and other gaseous orders, including significant explosions and injuries stemming from them.
We are currently accepting claims for victims of the ammonia leak. If you or a loved one is experiencing any kind of pain or other side effects from this incident, call Cain Law for a free consultation.
