WEATHERFORD, OK – Approximately 1,000 Weatherford residents had to evacuate from their homes after a semi-truck crashed and released toxic ammonia into the air on Wednesday.

According to Newsweek, the specifics leading up to the crash remain unclear. However, based on what a Weatherford emergency manager said, the smell of ammonia coming from the tanker truck was reported in the Holiday Inn Express parking area just off the I-40 interstate.

By 9:55 p.m., the City of Weatherford issued an emergency evacuation alert. The Weatherford Emergency Department specified that residents East of Washington St, South of Davis Ave, and North of Main Street should find a shelter in place until further notice.

Occupants from three senior living facilities and a hotel also had to evacuate. Weatherford Public Schools and businesses also shut down.

At this time, the shelter-in-place order has not been lifted, and no injuries have been reported.

UPDATE: Shelter-in-place order lifted, over 30 hospitalized following big rig wreck with ammonia spill

WEATHERFORD, OK – The shelter-in-place order for Weatherford residents has been lifted, and 36 people have been sent to the hospital following a big rig wreck that resulted in an ammonia leak on Wednesday.

A KOCO update reveals that a semi-truck had crashed outside of the Holiday Inn Express around 10 p.m. in the area of East Main Street and Cypress Drive. The impact caused the gasket to leak and spill about 25,000 pounds of ammonia into the air. The ammonia and vapor suppression also entered a storm drain. Residents in the area were asked to evacuate.

Approximately 500 people were evacuated to the Pioneer Event Center at Southwestern Oklahoma State University.

Various local fire departments responded, and the Oklahoma National Guard 63rd Civil Support Team, and the emergency management team mobilized the area.

Ambulance crews had to take 36 people to the hospital because of exposure to the ammonia spill. Among those individuals, 11 were left in critical condition and four were sent to hospitals in Oklahoma City. Authorities said 14 police officers were exposed to the ammonia and five of them suffered “chemical burns to their airways.”

While the evacuation order was lifted, Southwestern Oklahoma State University and Weatherford Public Schools canceled in-person classes. University students are asked to remain indoors and keep their windows and doors closed until further notice.

Man, 20, loses life to vehicle collision in Gideon

GIDEON, OK – A 20-year-old man died as a result of a vehicle collision that happened in Gideon on Wednesday, KTUL reports.

Preliminary details indicate that the 20-year-old man was driving on northbound State Highway 82, approaching West Gideon Road, when he drifted off his lane and crashed his vehicle into a tree.

The force of the collision ejected the driver. Ambulance crews rushed him to a hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Oklahoma Highway Patrol also responded to the scene.

1 hospitalized after two-vehicle collision in Uptown OKC

UPTOWN OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – One person was sent to the hospital after a two-vehicle collision that happened in the area of Northwest 36th Street and Broadway Extension on Wednesday.

KFOR reported the crash before 7:30 p.m. Oklahoma City police, fire, and ambulance crews responded to the scene.

Officials took the injured individual to the emergency room and believe they sustained broken bones.

At least 1 hurt in vehicle accident near Will Rogers Int. Airport in SE OKC

SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – At least one person was injured in a vehicle accident that took place north of the Will Rogers International Airport on Thursday.

Total Traffic Network’s OKC division first reported the crash at 6:55 a.m., saying it happened at the northbound Council Road and I-40 connector.

Officials are working to determine the exact cause of the crash and have not disclosed the extent of injuries.

OK-DOT temporarily closes I-40 East due to crash

SOUTHWEST OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – The Oklahoma Department of Transportation had to temporarily shut down a portion of I-40 East due to a Thursday morning crash.

Total Traffic Network’s Oklahoma City first announced the collision at 7:55 a.m., saying it happened along exit 145 at Meridian Avenue. By 8:15 a.m., crews were able to clear the scene.

Prior to the crash clearance, delays could be seen towards exit 140 at Morgan Road, and after the clearance, delays could be seen towards exit 142 at Council Road.

The exact cause of the collision is under investigation.

Recovering from injuries sustained in a crash is a process that can take days, weeks, months, or even years. No matter what stage of recovery you are at, Cain Law Injury Lawyers is ready to help you obtain the full funds you deserve for your injuries and to aid with any medical bills or lost income incurred as a result. Our team of Oklahoma car accident lawyers are available 24/7 for free consultations. Book yours online or by phone at (405) 591-4384.