Weatherford, OK – The National Transportation Safety Board has released its preliminary findings on the anhydrous ammonia leak that struck Weatherford on the night of November 12, an incident that injured dozens, forced large evacuations, and has already prompted a civil lawsuit against AirGas and the Holiday Inn Express & Suites.
According to the NTSB, an Airgas Specialty Products cargo tank hauling anhydrous ammonia began leaking around 9:16 p.m. in the parking lot of the Holiday Inn Express & Suites. The driver, who had stopped for the evening, noticed the manway cover beneath the tank was leaking and attempted to stop it but was unable to do so. The leak resulted in the total loss of the tank’s remaining ammonia load and caused widespread exposure.
Federal investigators say roughly 74 people reported ammonia-related injuries, including four in critical condition. Between 500 and 1,000 hotel guests and nearby residents were evacuated. Damage is estimated at more than $100,000.
The NTSB report notes the cargo tank had recently undergone routine maintenance and had been cleared for service. It had been filled in Waxahachie, Texas, made three deliveries, and was about 58 percent full when the leak was discovered in Weatherford. After the leak was contained, the tank was cleaned and purged on-site before a replacement driver transported it to Airgas’ Oklahoma City facility.
As part of the ongoing investigation, federal officials will conduct interviews, examine the tank itself, and review maintenance, repair, and emergency response procedures. Anhydrous ammonia is a hazardous chemical widely used in fertilizer production, chemical manufacturing, synthetic fibers, refrigerants, cleaning products, and pollution control.
The NTSB release follows a civil lawsuit filed earlier in Custer County District Court by Weatherford attorney Clayton B. Bruner. Four plaintiffs, including a hotel guest from Tennessee who later developed chemical pneumonia, are suing AirGas, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites, and affiliated entities. The suit alleges the mechanical failure on the AirGas truck caused a toxic cloud of ammonia to spread through the hotel and into surrounding neighborhoods.
The filing states that visible fumes moved through hallways and guest rooms, forcing some occupants to break windows to escape. Schools, businesses, and nursing homes were affected by evacuation and shelter in place orders, and dozens sought treatment for respiratory distress, burns, and eye injuries. The lawsuit seeks compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other losses tied to the November 12 release.
Both the investigation and litigation remain ongoing.
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