Home / Disasters and Accidents / Weatherford Recovers: Ammonia Leak Cleaned Up
Weatherford Recovers: Ammonia Leak Cleaned Up
18 Nov
Summary
- Nearly 1,000 residents evacuated due to ammonia gas leak.
- Over 75 injured individuals showed improving conditions.
- Investigation into the cause of the leak is ongoing.
Weatherford is actively cleaning up and recovering after an ammonia gas leak that occurred late on November 12. The incident forced the evacuation of nearly 1,000 residents from the affected area, spanning almost a square mile around the Holiday Inn. Emergency responders, bolstered by assistance from surrounding counties, worked to evacuate numerous victims amidst the spreading ammonia plume.
While the leak caused dozens of injuries, officials reported on November 17 that the conditions of over 75 injured individuals were improving. The chemical, anhydrous ammonia, is known for its potential to cause tissue dehydration, caustic burns, and frostbite upon contact due to its lack of water.
The investigation into the root cause of the leak, potentially a faulty valve on the semi-truck, has been assigned to the National Transportation Safety Board. Cleanup operations are being handled by Airgas, the carrier of the leaked anhydrous ammonia. The 'all-clear' was given on the morning of November 13.
