SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A devastating tanker truck crash in central Illinois led to the tragic deaths of five individuals, with federal officials indicating that the accident may have been triggered by another vehicle attempting to pass the chemical-laden truck. The crash occurred when the tanker truck, transporting caustic anhydrous ammonia, jackknifed and collided with a utility trailer parked just off the highway. As a result, a six-inch hole was punctured in the chemical container, leading to a spill of roughly half of the truck’s 7,500-gallon load.
The tanker truck’s driver veered off the road while traveling on U.S. 40 in Teutopolis, a small community located about 110 miles northeast of St. Louis. The impact of the crash resulted in a rapid sequence of events, according to Tom Chapman, a member of the National Transportation Safety Board. The accident occurred at approximately 8:40 p.m. local time, leading to the evacuation of approximately 500 residents within a 1-mile radius of the crash site.
Effingham County Coroner Kim Rhodes reported that among the five deceased were three members of the same family, including one adult and two children under the age of 12, along with two adults from out of state. In addition to the fatalities, five individuals were airlifted to hospitals, although their conditions were unknown at the time.
The incident caused a significant release of anhydrous ammonia, creating dangerous air conditions in the northeast area of Teutopolis. Emergency responders worked tirelessly to manage the leak and its toxic effects, with private and federal environmental contractors called in to assess and recommend a cleanup procedure for the town of 1,600 people.
The crash site was also impacted by the closure of nearby Interstate 70, which redirected traffic, including the tanker truck, onto U.S. 40. The incident sparked a large-scale evacuation within Teutopolis, causing residents to seek shelter and safety elsewhere.
Anhydrous ammonia, a chemical used for agricultural and industrial purposes, can pose significant health risks when exposed to humans, leading to burns and respiratory problems. Effingham County Sheriff Paul Kuhns emphasized the hazardous nature of the substance and the challenges faced by emergency personnel in mitigating its effects.
The situation in Teutopolis remains under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board, with officials working diligently to understand the sequence of events that led to the devastating crash. The tight-knit community has rallied together in the face of this tragedy, demonstrating resilience in the midst of an immense challenge.