Illinois: Semitruck carrying hazardous ammonia overturns, evacuation ordered for residents; Know what happened
economictimes.indiatimes.comsemitruck carrying hazardous ammonia overturned in Illinois, leading to a multi-vehicle crash with «multiple fatalities.» This tragic incident unfolded approximately half a mile east of Teutopolis, Illinois, on U.S. Highway 40, occurring at around 9:25 p.m. local time on Friday night.
The immediate aftermath of crash:
The impact of the accident was so severe that it caused the truck transporting anhydrous ammonia to rupture, triggering a dangerous chemical leak. The leakage prompted authorities to take swift action, which included the partial evacuation of local residents in the vicinity of the accident site.
Effingham County Sheriff Paul Kuhns, addressing the press in a news conference, characterized the accident as «very serious» and revealed that it was a fluid situation, with ongoing risks. During this press briefing, Kuhns disclosed that a «large plume» of ammonia had emanated from the crash, creating perilous air conditions in the northeastern part of Teutopolis.
Evacuation orders and response:
To safeguard the lives of those in harm's way, authorities ordered an evacuation within an approximate one-mile radius around the crash site. The decision was prompted by the immediate health hazards posed by the ammonia leak.
As of now, the precise number of fatalities has not been officially disclosed by law enforcement, neither in their statement nor during the morning news conference. Additionally, the authorities refrained from commenting on the causes of these tragic deaths.
However, the severity of the situation is evident. Teutopolis fire chief Tim McMahon reported that five individuals were airlifted, and another was transported by ground to local hospitals. The details surrounding their conditions or the
