Truck Overturns in Illinois, Causing Toxic Substance Leak and Evacuations
Tragedy struck central Illinois when a truck overturned, resulting in a toxic substance leak and the evacuation of hundreds of residents. This devastating incident took place in Teutopolis and claimed the lives of five individuals, while leaving five others seriously injured. The accident occurred on Friday night, when a semitruck carrying caustic anhydrous ammonia toppled, spilling over half of its 7,500-gallon load.
Effingham County Coroner Kim Rhodes confirmed that among the deceased were three members of the same family, including one adult and two children under 12. The other two victims were adult motorists from out of state. The names of the victims have not been released, and authorities have refrained from discussing the causes of death. The conditions of the five individuals airlifted to hospitals remain unknown.
As a precautionary measure, approximately 500 residents living within a 1-mile radius of the crash site, including parts of Teutopolis, were evacuated. However, late on Saturday night, Assistant Chief Joe Holomy of the Teutopolis Fire Protection District announced that testing had determined the area was safe for residents to return home.
Emergency crews worked tirelessly overnight to control the plume caused by the leak, but encountered difficulties in accessing the crash site. Effingham County Sheriff Paul Kuhns expressed gratitude for the brave firefighters, EMTs, hazmat specialists, and police officers who were actively engaged in dealing with the aftermath of the accident.
The accident site remained heavily blockaded as of midday Saturday, inconveniencing local residents. Authorities apologized for any disruption caused by the investigation and subsequent evacuation. Private and federal environmental contractors were called in to recommend a cleanup procedure for Teutopolis, a small town with a population of 1,600 located approximately 110 miles northeast of St. Louis.
The National Transportation Safety Board will conduct a thorough review of the crash and its causes. The accident resulted in a large plume of anhydrous ammonia on the roadway, generating hazardous air conditions in the northeastern area of Teutopolis. Sheriff Kuhns noted that emergency responders had to wait until the conditions were sufficiently addressed before they could effectively carry out their work.
Shifting winds presented an additional challenge for the crews working overnight. Tim McMahon, Chief of the Teutopolis Fire Protection District, explained that the wind changed direction multiple times during their efforts. Consequently, crews were deployed to different locations to report on wind patterns and ensure their safety.
It is worth mentioning that the evacuation of Teutopolis was necessitated by the closure of Interstate 70 earlier on Friday, which redirected traffic, including the tanker involved in the crash, onto U.S. 40. Local resident Phillip Hartke, who was on his way home after harvesting corn, noticed the smell of anhydrous ammonia as he approached Teutopolis and soon encountered a swarm of emergency vehicles near U.S. 40. Alongside his fellow residents, Hartke was instructed to evacuate to the west.
Anhydrous ammonia is widely used by farmers as a nitrogen fertilizer and as a refrigerant in large buildings. The American Chemical Society explains that it is transported across the United States via pipelines, trucks, and trains. However, incidents involving this substance have proven to be highly dangerous in the past. In 2019, a leaking anhydrous ammonia tank in Illinois resulted in dozens of people falling sick. Similarly, a train derailment in 2002 in North Dakota caused fatalities and numerous injuries.
Authorities emphasize the harmful effects of anhydrous ammonia, particularly if it is inhaled. Effingham County Sheriff Paul Kuhns highlights the burning sensation it can cause in the airways and lungs.
The investigation into this tragic incident is ongoing, and authorities will endeavor to determine the exact sequence of events that led to the truck overturning. The community of Teutopolis, a close-knit town with strong familial ties, will come together to support those affected by this devastating accident.
