A multi-vehicle crash in south-central Illinois, involving a semitruck carrying ammonia, has tragically resulted in the loss of multiple lives and necessitated the evacuation of parts of an Effingham County village. The incident occurred on Friday night, just before 9 p.m. local time, on Route 40 east of Teutopolis, as reported by Effingham County Sheriff Paul Kuhns during a Saturday news conference.

Teutopolis, a village with approximately 1,600 residents, is situated 90 miles southeast of the state capital, Springfield.

The crash led to the release of a significant plume of anhydrous ammonia onto the roadway, creating highly hazardous air conditions in the northeast area of Teutopolis, according to Kuhns.

County Coroner Kim Rhode initially confirmed one fatality and five individuals transported to nearby hospitals. However, in an update at 6 a.m., authorities revealed that the number of fatalities had increased to five, as reported by local TV station WCLA.

Kuhns later confirmed that “multiple” people had lost their lives but couldn’t provide an exact number.

In response to the toxic chemical plume, residents within a one-mile radius of the crash were urgently asked to evacuate, while those residing west of the crash scene were advised to shelter in place, as per local radio station 979XFM.

Exposure to anhydrous ammonia gas can lead to severe respiratory and ocular damage, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

A nearby school was designated as a shelter for evacuees, as reported by WTHI-TV. As of 9 a.m., emergency crews were still working diligently to contain the chemical leak.

“We have a lot of brave firemen, EMTs, hazmat specialists, and police officers that are working on the scene as we speak,” said Kuhns.

Source: With Agencies