Springfield, Illinois – A tragic tanker truck crash in central Illinois claimed the lives of five individuals, with speculations suggesting that the incident may have been triggered by another vehicle attempting to pass the chemical-laden truck, said a federal transportation official on Sunday.
The fatal crash unfolded as the tanker truck, loaded with caustic anhydrous ammonia, lost control and jackknifed on Friday night in Teutopolis, a small community located about 110 miles northeast of St. Louis. During a news conference over the weekend, Tom Chapman of the National Transportation Safety Board revealed that the tank carrying the hazardous substance collided with a utility trailer parked off the highway, creating a significant rupture in the container.
Chapman further explained that the tanker truck driver veered off the road to the right as they were traveling west on U.S. 40, leading to a series of rapid events that culminated in the tragic accident. The timeline of the incident was revised to around 8:40 p.m. local time, contrary to the initial 9:25 p.m. estimate provided by authorities.
Effingham County Coroner Kim Rhodes confirmed that among the five fatalities, three were members of the same family – one adult and two children under 12 years old. The remaining two victims were adult motorists from out of state. Additionally, five individuals were airlifted to hospitals with their conditions remaining unknown.
In the aftermath of the crash, approximately 500 residents within a 1-mile radius of the crash site were evacuated, including parts of Teutopolis. Emergency crews labored through the night to contain the leakage of anhydrous ammonia, enlisting private and federal environmental contractors to assist in the cleanup efforts in the town.
The release of anhydrous ammonia into the air posed severe health risks for residents, prompting authorities to exercise caution in addressing the aftermath of the incident. Effingham County Sheriff Paul Kuhns highlighted the challenges faced by emergency responders due to the dangerous air conditions caused by the chemical leak, further complicated by the shifting winds throughout the night.
Anhydrous ammonia is a substance frequently used by farmers for soil fertilization purposes and as a refrigerant in industrial settings. Incidents involving such chemicals have historically resulted in severe consequences, with the mishandling of anhydrous ammonia leading to toxic gas clouds in previous cases.
The community of Teutopolis, known for its close-knit relationships among residents, rallied together in the face of adversity, exemplifying the resilience of small-town communities in times of crisis. The tragic crash serves as a sobering reminder of the inherent risks associated with transporting hazardous materials and the crucial importance of adhering to safety protocols on the road.
As investigations into the root causes of the crash unfold, authorities and experts emphasize the necessity of rigorous training and compliance with hazardous material transportation regulations to prevent similar tragedies in the future.