Tragic Semi-Truck Overturn in Rural Illinois: Fatalities Reported, Evacuations Ordered Amid Hazardous Material Spill.
Tragedy semi-Truck on Friday night in rural Illinois when a semi-truck carrying a hazardous substance overturned, resulting in multiple fatalities and the necessity for immediate evacuations, according to authorities.
The incident occurred at approximately 8:40 p.m. local time on U.S. Highway 40, near the village of Teutopolis, authorities reported. The semi-truck was transporting ammonia and, upon overturning, unleashed a substantial cloud of anhydrous ammonia onto the roadway. This created extremely perilous air conditions in the northeast region, as stated by Effingham County Sheriff Paul Kuhns.
Regrettably, Sheriff Kuhns announced during a Saturday morning press briefing that there were multiple fatalities, but he was unable to provide an exact count at that time. The accident scene was described as “large” and “complicated,” with ongoing efforts to address the crash and the emergency caused by the anhydrous ammonia spill.
Due to the crash’s aftermath, evacuations have been ordered on the east side of Teutopolis, covering an evacuation zone of approximately 2 square miles. As of now, there is no information regarding when residents will be allowed to return to their homes. The ruptured area of the tanker has been patched, slowing down the leak but not entirely halting it, according to Teutopolis Fire Protection District Chief Tim McMahon.
Anhydrous ammonia is a clear, colorless gas with toxic properties. Inhalation can lead to various effects, ranging from nausea to respiratory tract irritation, depending on the duration of exposure, as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Drivers are still being kept away from the affected area during the ongoing cleanup process.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation, stated Acting Lt. Bruce Wagner of the Illinois State Police.
The National Transportation Safety Board, in collaboration with the Illinois State Police and the Effingham County Sheriff’s Department, will send a team to conduct a safety investigation into the rollover crash, according to an agency statement issued on Saturday.
Teutopolis is a small village in Effingham County, located approximately 92 miles southeast of Springfield, the capital of Illinois.