WEATHERFORD, Okla. — Around 34 people were hospitalized after an ammonia gas leak outside the Holiday Inn Express in Weatherford.
Police said a semi-truck driver hauling the hazardous material noticed the leak and called 911 around 10 p.m. on Nov. 12.
WATCH: Shelter in place lifted, air quality safe after ammonia leak in Weatherford
Officials lifted a shelter-in-place order after air quality returned to a safe level.
Residents are encouraged to air out their residences by opening doors and windows. If you were exposed to any chemicals remove your clothing and thoroughly wash your body with soap and water. If you are feeling ill call 911 immediately.
Businesses in the area are encouraged to contact the Incident Command located in the Taco Bell parking lot, the Fire Department will be doing air quality checks for affected businesses upon request.
- Weatherford Regional Hospital treated approximately 34 patients.
- 5 patients were airlifted to Oklahoma City–area hospitals
- 6 additional patients were transported by ground ambulance to the OKC metro.
- Dozens more were treated at three separate casualty collection points.
Approximately 14 officers were exposed to anhydrous ammonia; 5 sustained chemical burns to their airways.
Many first responders were treated and released at the scene. At this time, no fatalities have been reported. Several victims remain in intensive care, while the majority are in stable condition.
Viewer Michael Johnson sent us this video of the leak as it happened:
What is ammonia?
2 News checked the CDC to get a breakdown on the threat ammonia is when exposed:
It is a toxic clear gas or liquid. Ammonia is made up of nitrogen and hydrogen. It is an important source of nitrogen, which is needed by plants and animals. It is widely used in fertilizers and pharmaceuticals.
Normal amounts of ammonia in the environment do not cause health effects in humans. Exposure to high levels of ammonia may hurt your skin, eyes, throat, and lungs and cause coughing and burns. Lung damage and death may occur after exposure to very high levels of ammonia.
Effects depend on how the person was exposed, how much they were exposed to, and how long they were exposed for. Some people with asthma or other chronic lung diseases may be more sensitive to breathing ammonia than others.
Symptoms of exposure to higher levels of ammonia include the following:
- Abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting
- Coughing or coughing up white or pink colored fluid
- Skin blisters, pain, or redness
- Burning feeling in the nose, throat, lungs, and eyes
- Narrowing of the throat and swelling
- Permanent or temporary blindness
- Frostbite (if exposed to liquified ammonia)
- Exposure to very high levels of ammonia can lead to death.
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