SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — A fatal tanker truck crash in central Illinois that claimed the lives of five people is believed to have been caused by another vehicle attempting to pass the chemical-laden truck, a federal transportation official revealed on Sunday.
The tragic accident occurred on Friday when the tanker truck, loaded with caustic anhydrous ammonia, jackknifed and collided with a utility trailer parked off the highway in Teutoplis, a small community approximately 110 miles northeast of St. Louis. As a result, a hole was punctured in the chemical container, leading to a hazardous spill and a rapid sequence of events.
Effingham County Coroner Kim Rhodes confirmed that three of the deceased were from the same family, including one adult and two children under 12, while the other two were adult motorists from out of state. Five others were airlifted to hospitals with their conditions remaining unknown.
The crash led to the evacuation of about 500 residents within a 1-mile radius, and emergency crews worked tirelessly overnight to control the hazardous conditions caused by the spill. Effort was made to mitigate the hazardous air conditions that engulfed parts of Teutopolis, as the plume from the leak posed significant danger to the community.
The tragedy once again highlighted the potential dangers of transporting hazardous materials, such as anhydrous ammonia, by road. This incident is a sobering reminder of the risks involved in the transportation of such substances and the need for stringent safety measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
In 2019, dozens of people fell ill in suburban Chicago due to a toxic gas cloud created by the release of anhydrous ammonia from tanks being transported between farms. Similarly, a train derailment in 2002 in Minot, North Dakota, caused the release of anhydrous ammonia, resulting in fatalities and numerous injuries.
In conclusion, the devastating tanker truck crash in Teutopolis, Illinois, underscores the importance of implementing rigorous safety protocols for the transportation of hazardous materials, with the aim of preventing future accidents and protecting communities and individuals from potential harm.