SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — In a tragic tanker truck crash that claimed the lives of five individuals in central Illinois, a federal transportation official suggested that the incident may have been triggered by another vehicle attempting to pass the chemical-laden truck. The tanker was transporting caustic anhydrous ammonia when it jackknifed and collided with a utility trailer located near the highway, causing a significant hole in the chemical container, as per Tom Chapman of the National Transportation Safety Board.
Chapman revealed during a news conference that the tanker truck operator veered to the right and veered off the road while traveling west on U.S. 40 in Teutoplis, a small community situated approximately 110 miles northeast of St. Louis. The events leading to the crash unfolded rapidly, Chapman noted, emphasizing the speed at which the accident occurred.
The crash, which spilled about half of the tanker’s 7,500-gallon load of anhydrous ammonia, resulted in the immediate evacuation of around 500 residents living within a 1-mile radius of the crash site. Among the deceased were three individuals from the same family and two motorists from out of state, according to Effingham County Coroner Kim Rhodes.
Emergency crews worked through the night following the crash to address the leak and to analyze the situation. The release of anhydrous ammonia into the atmosphere posed significant risks to the residents in the northeast region of Teutopolis, prompting authorities to take precautionary measures.
Anhydrous ammonia is commonly used by farmers as a nitrogen fertilizer and by industries as a refrigerant in large buildings. Incidents involving leaks of this chemical have previously resulted in widespread illnesses, indicating the potentially dangerous consequences of mishandling these substances.
The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with transporting hazardous materials, prompting a reevaluation of safety protocols and regulations governing the transportation of such substances. The community of Teutopolis now faces the challenging task of recovering from this devastating accident and ensuring the safety of its residents moving forward.