**Urgent Chemical Leak Forces Evacuation in Weatherford, Four Critical**

URGENT UPDATE: A catastrophic chemical leak in Weatherford, Oklahoma has prompted a mass evacuation, sending dozens to hospitals and leaving four individuals in critical condition. The incident unfolded late Wednesday night when a tanker truck carrying anhydrous ammonia malfunctioned in a hotel parking lot, releasing toxic fumes that created a health crisis for residents nearby.

At approximately 10 p.m. local time, the driver, who had parked at the Holiday Inn for the night, experienced a valve or seal failure on the 8,500-gallon tank. This disaster forced emergency crews to don gas masks and evacuate residents door-to-door. Local resident Krystal Blackwell described the chaos, stating, “It was a little crazy to wake up to. I really thought it was a kind of dream.”

Authorities confirmed that between 500 to 1,000 people were evacuated, including guests at the hotel and residents from three senior centers. By early Thursday morning, shelters capable of housing up to 600 evacuees were established as the city mobilized its resources.

The small city of 12,000 people, located 70 miles west of Oklahoma City, faced an overwhelming situation as schools were closed and nursing homes were emptied. Police Chief Angelo Orefice reported that local hospitals treated dozens of patients, with the most severe cases being transferred to specialized facilities for urgent care.

As hazmat teams and units from the Oklahoma National Guard responded to the scene, a shelter-in-place order was lifted Thursday morning after crews managed to dilute the chemical. However, the cleanup process is expected to take several days.

The U.S. Department of Transportation tweeted about the incident, emphasizing the dangers associated with handling anhydrous ammonia, commonly used as agricultural fertilizer. The substance can lead to severe burns upon contact, raising significant concerns for the safety of those affected.

This leak follows a similar incident in Mississippi, which also required large-scale evacuations, highlighting the urgent need for stringent safety protocols in managing hazardous materials.

Residents and officials alike are left shaken by the rapid unfolding of events. As Weatherford grapples with the aftermath, the community is urged to stay informed on further developments regarding safety measures and assistance for those displaced.

Stay tuned for updates as this situation continues to evolve.