Month: November 2025

A massive ammonia leak late Wednesday night in Weatherford, Oklahoma sent dozens to the hospital and forced hundreds of residents to evacuate their homes, according to local authorities. Officials lifted evacuation orders Thursday morning after air quality levels returned to safe conditions. Weatherford, a city of about 12,000 residents, is located roughly 70 miles west of Oklahoma City

The incident began around 10 p.m. when an 8,500-gallon tanker truck parked outside a Holiday Inn Express began leaking anhydrous ammonia, a toxic chemical commonly used in fertilizer and industrial applications. Weatherford Police Chief Angelo Orefice said crews quickly responded and managed to stop the leak. However, before the situation was contained, a thick plume of gas spread across a wide area, forcing emergency evacuations.

Weatherford Emergency Manager Mike Karlin said that “as the event unfolded, we had a large plume of anhydrous ammonia gas spread over a pretty large area.” Karlin estimated between 500 and 600 people were displaced, though Orefice noted the number was likely closer to 300–500 as the situation evolved.

Anhydrous ammonia, a colorless gas with a pungent odor, can cause severe burns and respiratory damage upon exposure. While commonly used in fertilizers for crops such as corn and wheat, it poses serious health risks in concentrated form. Authorities confirmed that approximately 36 people received medical attention, with 11 transported to nearby hospitals and four airlifted to Oklahoma City in critical condition. Residents reported experiencing severe respiratory distress as first responders went door to door in gas masks, warning people to evacuate.

Emergency alerts were sent out shortly after the leak, instructing people to “Evacuate north to Davis Ave and from Washington Ave to Lyle Rd. Safety location is Pioneer Cellular Center. If you are having medical symptoms, call 911, or medical personnel located at Ace Hardware.”

Several nursing homes were cleared, and both Southwest Oklahoma State University and Weatherford Public Schools canceled classes Thursday. The university advised, “First responders on scene have recommended that all students in SWOSU on-campus housing shelter in place due to the fumes. Students in residence halls should remain indoors, keep windows and doors closed.”

A public safety notice also urged businesses and residents in certain areas to stay indoors until further notice. Interstate 40 exits leading into Weatherford were temporarily closed, and hazmat teams worked through the night alongside the Oklahoma National Guard to contain and neutralize the leak. Officials said calm winds initially slowed efforts to disperse the gas, but by early Thursday the air was deemed safe, and residents were allowed to return. Orefice advised that any clothing worn during the incident be placed outdoors to allow remaining ammonia residue to dissipate.

Editorial credit: SevenMaps / Shutterstock.com

A West Virginia coal miner who had been missing for more than a week inside a flooded mine was found dead Thursday morning, ending an exhaustive search that gripped the local community and mining industry.

The coal miner, identified as foreman Steve Lipscomb, 42, was from Elkview, West Virginia., was working alongside a 17-person crew when a pocket of water burst inside the Rolling Thunder Mine, flooding the tunnels. Lipscomb became trapped Saturday afternoon inside the mine, after rushing to help his crew escape the flooding. Alpha Metallurgical Resources, the mining company, said in a statement Thursday that “during routine operations, a crew in the underground mine encountered a sudden and substantial inflow of water .. He was last seen trying to ensure his crew made it out safely. All 17 other miners made it to safety.

West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced on X that at about 6 a.m. EST, “water levels inside the Rolling Thunder Mine in Nicholas County had receded sufficiently for rescue crews to safely enter. The team began their search, examining every section as they advanced underground. At 7:37 a.m., one two-man team located the body of the missing miner, foreman Steve Lipscomb. This morning’s news is absolutely heartbreaking. Denise and I are devastated to learn of the loss of Mr. Lipscomb, and we are praying for his family, friends, and co-workers during this difficult time.” Morissey praised the rescue teams who worked “tirelessly” in dangerous conditions, adding that “their commitment and professionalism have been unwavering throughout the operation.” He added that mining is deeply woven into West Virginia’s identity: “Our state knows this kind of pain all too well. Mining is more than an industry here — it’s a brotherhood, a way of life, and a source of pride. When tragedy strikes, we grieve together, we stand together, and we support one another as one West Virginia family.”

Nicholas County Commissioner Garret Cole said the flooding occurred when miners struck a large pocket of water during routine operations. Lipscomb was believed to be trapped about three-quarters of a mile underground. Crews worked “around the clock” in 12-hour shifts, pumping millions of gallons of water from the mine and drilling new entry points in hopes of reaching him. By Tuesday, officials said water was being removed at a rate of roughly 6,000 gallons per minute, but the scale of flooding and blocked tunnels made progress slow and perilous. Dive teams were deployed several times but were unable to reach deep sections of the mine until water levels finally dropped this week. Lipscomb’s body was recovered shortly after 7:30 a.m., about 90 minutes after crews finally gained safe access to the mine.

Alpha Metallurgical Resources CEO Andy Eidson called Lipscomb’s death a devastating loss for the company and community:  “Our hearts are broken. Steve joined our company in 2006 and was a dedicated employee, respected leader and friend to many. His actions to ensure the safety of his crew members were heroic. On behalf of the entire organization, we extend our prayers and deepest sympathies to his wife, two children and all who knew and cared for him.”

This is the second mining fatality in West Virginia this month and the fifth in the state this year. A full investigation into the accident is being conducted by federal and state authorities.

Editorial credit: ThomasPerkins.com / Shutterstock.com