TEUTOPOLIS, Ill. – A tragic accident occurred in Teutopolis, Illinois, when a semitruck carrying a toxic substance overturned, resulting in multiple fatalities and the release of a dangerous chemical cloud. The incident prompted the evacuation of area residents as emergency responders worked to contain the hazardous material.
Firefighters, police, and hazmat specialists were on the scene to manage the situation and mitigate the dangerous air conditions caused by the spill. Effingham County Sheriff Paul Kuhns expressed gratitude for the bravery and dedication of the emergency personnel involved in the response efforts during a press conference on Saturday.
While the exact number of people killed or injured has not been disclosed, initial reports of five fatalities were later deemed premature by Illinois State Police spokesperson Melaney Arnold. The accident, which involved multiple vehicles, occurred late Friday evening, resulting in the release of anhydrous ammonia near U.S. Highway 40, about a half-mile east of Teutopolis.
Chief Tim McMahon of the Teutopolis Fire Protection District reported that the tanker began leaking after rolling over in a ditch, leading to the closure of the affected area to prevent further exposure to the toxic substance.
Anhydrous ammonia is known to cause severe respiratory injuries and can be lethal at high concentrations. Due to its toxic and corrosive nature, it poses a significant health hazard if not handled with care. The incident remains under investigation, and officials are working to determine whether the fatalities were a result of the crash or the chemical leak.
Efforts to address the spill and mitigate the situation have caused inconvenience to residents and commuters in the area, prompting an apology from Sheriff Kuhns. He urged for patience and understanding as emergency resources are focused on resolving the hazardous conditions.
The impact of the accident also led to traffic detours following an earlier incident on Interstate 70, diverting vehicles, including the tanker, onto U.S. Highway 40. Teutopolis, located approximately 92 miles southeast of Springfield, Illinois, continues to grapple with the aftermath of this devastating event.