SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A tragic tanker truck crash in central Illinois resulted in the death of five people, including three from the same family, after the truck carrying caustic anhydrous ammonia jackknifed and hit a utility trailer parked just off the highway. A federal transportation official indicated that the crash may have been initiated when another vehicle attempted to pass the chemical-laden truck, causing a six-inch hole in the container carrying anhydrous ammonia. The accident, which occurred on U.S. 40 in Teutopolis, led to the spilling of roughly half of the truck’s 7,500-gallon load of anhydrous ammonia.
Effingham County Coroner Kim Rhodes reported that three members of the same family, as well as two motorists from out of state, were among the deceased. Additionally, five people were airlifted to hospitals, with their conditions unknown at the time. Approximately 500 residents within a 1-mile radius of the crash site were evacuated after the accident, creating dangerous air conditions in the northeastern area of Teutopolis. Emergency crews worked tirelessly to control the leak and manage the hazardous air conditions, with private and federal environmental contractors called in to assist with cleanup efforts.
The accident took place when traffic, including the tanker, was redirected onto U.S. 40 due to another truck crash on Interstate 70 earlier in the day. The plume from the leak caused dangerous conditions for the surrounding area of Teutopolis, prompting a large-scale evacuation. Anhydrous ammonia, commonly utilized by farmers as a nitrogen fertilizer, is known for its hazardous effects when inhaled, and thus warranted the immediate evacuation of the affected area.
In 2019, dozens of people were sickened in suburban Chicago after a similar incident involving anhydrous ammonia, while a train derailment in 2002 in North Dakota resulted in fatalities and numerous injuries. Efforts to contain and control the hazardous material in the wake of such incidents are crucial in preventing further harm to both individuals and the environment.
The tight-knit community of Teutopolis rallied together in response to the accident, showing resilience and support for evacuees affected by the tragedy. The incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers associated with transporting hazardous materials and the rigorous measures that must be taken to ensure the safety of both drivers and nearby residents. The NTSB will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the crash and the necessary steps to prevent such tragedies in the future.