Thursday morning, Weatherford Police Chief Angelo Orefice hosted a press conference for the ammonia leak overnight. 

Chief Orefice confirmed that the shelter-in-place mandate has been lifted. Residents may return home. Orefice stated residents should continue to monitor their health and their loved ones’ health. If you or your loved ones begin to have breathing problems, he said to call 911 or go to the emergency room. 

Overnight, the Weatherford hospital reportedly saw 30-36 patients due to the events. Orefice said 11 patients were in critical condition and transported to the metro area via ambulance, and 4 patients were flown via helicopter. 

Orefice suggested that those in the affected area open up windows and ventilate their homes upon returning home. He also suggested leaving clothes you were wearing at the time of evacuation outside so they can air out before washing them. He also suggested taking a good shower.

Orefice asked business owners or managers in the affected zone to go to the Taco Bell, which is the second incident command post. Business owners are asked to get with the fire department at this location so the department can test the air quality inside these businesses. This is to ensure it is safe for patrons to return to businesses. 

As for what caused the leak, that remains unconfirmed. Orefice said it could potentially have been a mechanical failure on a valve or a faulty seal. He said to his understanding, the driver parked the vehicle behind the Holiday Inn to get a room for the evening.

He asked residents to stay out of the area of Main Street and Cyprus, as crews continue the cleanup process. Included in the efforts overnight and the cleanup efforts are the Oklahoma National Guard’s 63rd Civil Support Team. A unit that supports first responders during emergencies, particularly those involving chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and high-yield explosive threats.