Springfield, Illinois – Federal regulators are investigating a deadly crash involving a semitruck carrying a hazardous substance that led to the evacuation of residents in central Illinois. The crash caused “multiple fatalities” and dangerous air conditions due to the release of anhydrous ammonia.
The National Transportation Safety Board spokesperson, Jennifer Gabris, confirmed that their agency is looking into the incident that occurred near Teutopolis. The overturned tanker caused the release of a cloud of anhydrous ammonia, prompting firefighters, police, and other emergency responders to work on containing the hazardous substance.
The Effingham County Sheriff, Paul Kuhns, stated in a press conference that the accident resulted in multiple fatalities, but the exact number was not immediately disclosed. The spill created dangerously toxic air conditions in the northeast area of Teutopolis, which delayed the emergency response efforts.
The tanker crash, which occurred on U.S. Highway 40, resulted in the evacuation of residents within a one-mile radius of the spill. The town of Teutopolis, with a population of 1,600, was significantly affected by the incident. The cause of the deaths, whether from the crash or the chemical leak, has not been confirmed.
Anhydrous ammonia is commonly used for agricultural purposes and as a refrigerant. The substance is transported via pipelines, trucks, and trains, and previous incidents involving its release have resulted in injuries and fatalities.
The accident raised concerns about the transportation of hazardous materials on public highways. The CEO of the Mid-West Truckers Association, Don Schaefer, emphasized the importance of meeting the requirements for handling toxic substances and the need for increased scrutiny in such transportation.
As the investigation continues, authorities urged residents to be patient as road closures and evacuations remain in place. The investigation into the crash and the spill of hazardous material continues, as federal agencies work to determine the cause and prevent similar incidents in the future.