Five others remain hospitalized. An evacuation was ordered within a one-mile radius when the semi-truck started leaking the potentially toxic chemical.
A tragic crash involving a semi-truck carrying anhydrous ammonia in central Illinois claimed the lives of five people, including a father and his two young children. The accident occurred on Friday evening, with the Effingham County coroner’s office confirming the fatalities. Along with the five deceased, another five people were airlifted to nearby hospitals. Their conditions have not been disclosed.
The identities of the victims have not yet been fully released, though it was confirmed that three of the deceased were local residents and two were from out of state. Authorities have not stated whether the anhydrous ammonia leak directly contributed to the fatalities, but the chemical’s release following the crash prompted immediate evacuations in the surrounding area.
Illinois State Police responded to the crash, which occurred around 9:25 p.m. on U.S. Highway 40 near Teutopolis, approximately 210 miles south of Chicago. The semi-truck overturned in a ditch, causing the leak of the potentially toxic chemical. Anhydrous ammonia, which can transition from liquid to gas when exposed to air, led to the hazardous situation, prompting the evacuation of those living within a one-mile radius.
The investigation into the incident continues, and authorities are monitoring the situation closely, particularly regarding the ammonia leak. Emergency services worked swiftly to contain the chemical leak and minimize further danger to the community.