Weatherford, OK – Four people have filed a civil lawsuit against AirGas and the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Weatherford after a massive anhydrous ammonia leak sent 34 victims to hospitals, including two in critical condition, and triggered wide evacuations across the city.
Weatherford attorney Clayton B. Bruner filed the suit in Custer County District Court on behalf of injured residents. The lawsuit names AirGas, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Weatherford, and affiliated entities as defendants.
According to Bruner, the leak released a toxic cloud of anhydrous ammonia in and around the hotel, as well as nearby residential and commercial areas. The incident led to mass evacuations, school and business closures, and nursing home evacuations, along with dozens of injuries.
“Dozens of individuals were transported to area hospitals for evaluation and treatment of respiratory distress, burns, eye injuries, and other ammonia related injuries,” Bruner said. “Numerous others sought treatment at clinics or were treated at emergency staging areas. We are seeking answers as to why and compensation for the victims.”
The lawsuit was filed on behalf of four victims of the gas cloud, including a hotel guest from Tennessee who was traveling through the area and later developed chemical pneumonia that is alleged to have been caused by the exposure.
The incident occurred on the evening of November 12, 2025, when an AirGas tanker truck carrying about 25,000 pounds of anhydrous ammonia was parked behind the Holiday Inn Express & Suites. The driver had parked the truck at the hotel to check in for a room and rest.
That night, a mechanical failure on the AirGas truck allegedly caused a major release of anhydrous ammonia into the air in and around the property. Visible fumes spread through hotel hallways and guest rooms, causing panic, injuries, and emergency evacuations. Some guests were forced to break windows to escape, according to the filing.
Authorities say the toxic cloud drifted beyond the hotel, prompting emergency responders to issue evacuation and shelter in place orders for hundreds of Weatherford residents and businesses. The lawsuit seeks damages for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other losses tied to the incident.
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