Residents of Teutopolis, Illinois have been allowed to return home following an evacuation caused by a semi-truck crash. The crash resulted in the release of thousands of gallons of toxic ammonia, leaving parts of the area contaminated. The truck was carrying approximately 7,500 gallons of the substance, with over half of it, around 4,000 gallons, being released. However, testing has indicated that the danger from the ammonia has dissipated, according to Teutopolis Assistant Fire Chief Joe Holomy. Emergency crews are still on the scene working to contain the leak.
The crash took place on US Highway 40 and involved multiple vehicles, including the semi-truck carrying the ammonia. The incident caused at least five fatalities and multiple injuries, with five individuals being airlifted to local hospitals. Effingham County Sheriff Paul Kuhns described the scene as large and complicated. The tanker involved in the crash has been drained, patched, and moved to a secure location for investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board. The Illinois State Police are also investigating the cause of the accident.
Anhydrous ammonia, which is essentially pure ammonia without water, can cause skin, throat, lung, and eye irritation and burns. High levels of exposure can be fatal. The leak resulted in dangerously contaminated air, and residents within a one-mile radius of the crash were evacuated. Effingham County, with an estimated population of about 34,000, is located approximately two hours south of Illinois’ capital, Springfield.
In conclusion, the residents of Teutopolis, Illinois have been allowed to return home after being evacuated due to a truck crash that released thousands of gallons of toxic ammonia. The crash resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries, and emergency crews are still working to contain the leak. Anhydrous ammonia, which is highly dangerous, can cause serious health complications and even death. Effingham County, where the crash occurred, has an estimated population of about 34,000 and is located in south-central Illinois.