A town in Weatherford, near Oklahoma City, is currently undergoing a mass evacuation due to a hazardous chemical spill caused by a lorry crash. Emergency services are on-site managing the situation, with approximately 1,000 residents being evacuated from their homes. The incident has resulted in 36 individuals being hospitalized due to exposure, prompting authorities to issue warnings about the unsafe air quality in the vicinity.
The lorry collision occurred around 10 pm local time on Wednesday, with emergency alerts being disseminated shortly after. Witnesses observed emergency personnel, equipped with gas masks, going door to door to evacuate residents. Krystal Blackwell, one of the evacuees, described the chaotic experience, stating that she initially believed it was a dream.
Weatherford Emergency Manager Mike Karlin expressed challenges in cleaning up the spill due to unfavorable weather conditions. Lack of wind and heat hinders the dissipation of the chemical product, complicating the cleanup process. Residents reported detecting a pungent odor in their homes following the chemical leak, with some experiencing respiratory distress symptoms.
Authorities were alerted to a potential tanker leak in a Holiday Inn Express parking lot, leading them to discover the chemical spill and individuals exhibiting signs of respiratory distress. The incident has resulted in at least 36 people being hospitalized for treatment.
As a precautionary measure, schools in Weatherford have been closed, and classes at Southwest Oklahoma State University have been suspended. An emergency alert has instructed partial evacuation in the City of Weatherford, advising residents to move north to designated safety locations. Medical assistance is available for those experiencing symptoms related to the chemical exposure.