On Friday night, Effingham County, Illinois witnessed a calamitous event. A semi-truck carrying 7,500 gallons of anhydrous ammonia became part of a significant accident on US Highway 40, just about half a mile east of Teutopolis. This incident took place around 9:25 p.m., causing the hazardous chemical to leak and jeopardize nearby areas.
The collision’s consequences were profound. Among the victims, five people died, and another five suffered significant injuries. A single family lost three members in the accident: a father and two children under the age of 12. The remaining two casualties were adults, visiting from other states.
The spilled anhydrous ammonia is a substance mainly utilized for fertilization and refrigeration purposes. This gas is not only combustible but is also harmful if breathed in, leading to potential health issues like throat swelling and fluid buildup in the lungs. Emergency teams, when alerted, confronted numerous obstacles. Due to the changing wind patterns and hazardous conditions, the crash location was challenging for immediate response.
The leakage’s scale was so extensive that the specialized hazmat team could only limit the chemical’s dispersion instead of stopping it.
Nearly 500 residents within a one-mile boundary of the accident site in northeastern Teutopolis were advised to evacuate. For the displaced, a shelter was promptly arranged by local officials and continued to be in service the next day.
The National Transportation Safety Board is examining the incident.
