A toxic chemical spill following a lorry crash has led to the mass evacuation of around 1,000 residents in Weatherford, Oklahoma. At least 36 people have been hospitalised due to exposure, and police have warned that the air in the area is unsafe to breathe.
The crash occurred at approximately 10pm local time on Wednesday, with emergency alerts issued about an hour later. Witnesses reported seeing emergency personnel wearing gas masks as they went door to door to wake residents. Krystal Blackwell, who was evacuated, described the scene as “a little crazy to wake up to”.
Weatherford Emergency Manager Mike Karlin stated that the cleanup effort has been hampered by weather conditions, noting the lack of wind to help dissipate the chemical. Residents reported a “very spicy smell” in their homes, with one man saying he knew something was wrong when he saw people coughing.
Schools in Weatherford have been cancelled, and Southwest Oklahoma State University has also suspended classes. An emergency alert advised residents to evacuate to designated safety locations and to call 911 if experiencing medical symptoms.
