Why does this keep happening all over the United States?
Sources are reporting yet another toxic incident near the Teutopolis, Illinois area. According to those reports, a tanker truck carrying anhydrous ammonia flipped on the side of the road and began leaking the hazardous material.
Initially, the death toll was reported as 5 individuals, yet those reports have not been confirmed and local law enforcement has indicated that those numbers are premature.
Moreover, local authorities have not announced whether these deaths were due to the actual roadside accident itself or the toxic material.
Anhydrous ammonia is incredibly damaging to biological material at low levels and is fatal at higher levels.
The New York Times reported on Saturday: “Multiple fatalities were reported after a tanker carrying anhydrous ammonia overturned in Illinois on Friday night, leading to a leak of the toxic gas and prompting residents within a one-mile radius of the crash site to evacuate, officials said.”
Multiple fatalities were reported after a tanker carrying anhydrous ammonia overturned in Illinois on Friday night, leading to a leak of the toxic gas and prompting residents within a one-mile radius of the crash site to evacuate, officials said. https://t.co/rEnWG0xMFz
— The New York Times (@nytimes) September 30, 2023
One user shared a short video of the evacuation showing cars steadily exiting the area covered in emergency vehicles and local first responders.
BREAKING: An evacuation order is in place for certain parts of the community of Teutopolis, Illinois due to a chemical spill. pic.twitter.com/ysANvgIZj4
— Truthseeker (@Xx17965797N) October 1, 2023
The Associated Press had more:
Effingham County Coroner Kim Rhodes said the five dead included three from the same family: one adult and two children under 12. The other two were adult motorists from out of state, Rhodes said.
Additionally, five people were airlifted to hospitals, their conditions unknown.
Reporter Caitlin Hunt provided an update: “I’ve arrived to Teutopolis. I’ve met with the fire chief who says there’s nothing new to report right now. But here’s a look at the safety precautions being made for crews responding to the scene. Everyone is wearing masks and must be hosed down.”
I’ve arrived to Teutopolis. I’ve met with the fire chief who says there’s nothing new to report right now. But here’s a look at the safety precautions being made for crews responding to the scene. Everyone is wearing masks and must be hosed down. pic.twitter.com/FqHEDerG4d
— Caitlin Hunt (@CaitlinHuntWTHI) September 30, 2023
Following the disaster, Governor JB Pritzker sent out this message: “Our hearts are with the loved ones of those affected by the car crash and chemical leak in Teutopolis last night. My administration is on the ground and we will provide state support in any we can. As we learn more, please follow the guidance of local authorities.”
Our hearts are with the loved ones of those affected by the car crash and chemical leak in Teutopolis last night.
My administration is on the ground and we will provide state support in any we can.
As we learn more, please follow the guidance of local authorities.
— Governor JB Pritzker (@GovPritzker) September 30, 2023
Newsmax provided more details on the crash:
The accident, which involved “multiple” vehicles including the tanker, happened about a half-mile east of Teutopolis on U.S. Highway 40 on Friday at about 9:25 p.m., Illinois State Police said in an emailed statement.
McMahon said the tanker began leaking after rolling over in a ditch. He said authorities are still preventing cars from driving in that area.
Residents within a one-mile radius of the spill — largely on the east end of Teutopolis — were evacuated. The town of 1,600 people is about 110 miles northeast of St. Louis.
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