SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – In a tragic incident in central Illinois, a tanker truck carrying caustic anhydrous ammonia was involved in a fatal crash that resulted in the deaths of five people. The crash occurred near the small community of Teutoplis, about 110 miles northeast of St. Louis, and led to an evacuation of the area.
The crash is believed to have been initiated when another vehicle attempted to pass the tanker, causing the truck to jackknife and collide with a utility trailer. The impact resulted in a rupture in the chemical container, leading to a significant spill of the hazardous material. Effingham County officials confirmed that the accident, which occurred late Friday night, has resulted in three fatalities from the same family and two other adult victims from out of state. Additionally, five individuals were airlifted to hospitals, their conditions currently unknown.
The leaked ammonia created dangerously harmful air conditions, prompting authorities to evacuate approximately 500 residents within a 1-mile radius of the crash site. Emergency responders had to wait to mitigate the hazardous conditions before beginning the cleanup efforts. The accident led to a large plume of anhydrous ammonia that affected the northeastern part of Teutopolis, prompting local authorities to call in private and federal environmental contractors for assistance with the cleanup.
Anhydrous ammonia is commonly used by farmers as a nitrogen fertilizer. In 2019, a similar incident in suburban Chicago resulted in dozens of people being sickened after a toxic gas cloud was formed by leaking ammonia tanks. The substance is also transported around the United States by pipeline, trucks, and trains.
This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers associated with transporting hazardous materials and emphasizes the importance of proper training and precautions for drivers of toxic substance tankers. The aftermath of the crash underscores the need for thorough cleanup efforts and the impact it can have on local communities and the environment.
As authorities continue to investigate the crash and assess the environmental impact, the community of Teutopolis faces the difficult task of recovering from the tragedy and ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents.