NTSB releases final report on deadly 2023 Teutopolis tanker crash

TEUTOPOLIS, Ill. (WAND) - The National Transportation Safety Board released its final report on the 2023 anhydrous ammonia crash that killed five people in Teutopolis.

A tanker-truck crash on U.S. 40 in Teutopolis in September 2023 that resulted in the toxic chemical being spilled. Anhydrous ammonia is a chemical primarily used in agriculture sectors as a form of fertilizer. It can be toxic and corrosive when not stored or used properly. It's use and transportation is regulated by state and federal laws.

Tuesday's report backed previous investigative information that a 17-year-old Ohio girl driving a minivan tried passing near a no passing zone. Oncoming traffic made her veer back over in front of the truck, forcing it onto the shoulder and causing it to tip over.

The tanker truck was carrying caustic anhydrous ammonia when it jack-knifed and hit a utility trailer parked just off the highway. The trailer's hitch punctured the tank, spilling about half of the 7,500-gallon load just west of Teutopolis.

A federal report included an interview with the 17-year-old who said the truck was forced off the road when she passed it.

“Oh, (expletive). Yeah. Oh, my goodness. Yep, totally my bad. Wow. Holy (expletive),” the girl said while watching the video from the ill-fated truck during an Illinois State Police interview.

There have been no criminal charges filed in the case.

Tragedy in Teutopolis

Dashcam video from the tanker captured the moments leading up to the crash where the van can be seen pulling in front of the tanker, narrowly missing colliding with an oncoming vehicle.

The NTSB report documented the exact location of the crash, the location where victims were found, and how the crash happened.

Five people died as a result, including an adult and two children who were at their home near the road when the crash happened. The man was found behind the house. The two young children were found in the back seat of a vehicle in the home's driveway.

Two other drivers also died. Both were found on the ground next to their vehicles. They all suffered from chemical burns to their skin, eyes, and mouth and hemorrhaging in the respiratory system because of exposure to anhydrous ammonia.

The deceased were previously identified as Kenneth Bryan, 34, Teutopolis; Rosie Bryan, 7, Beecher City; Walker Bryan 10; Beecher City; Vasile Cricovan, 31, Twinsburg, OH; and Danny Smith, 67, New Haven, MO.

Nine people were seriously hurt. After the crash approximately 500 people were evacuated from the immediate area.

The NTSB report concluded the probable cause of the crash was the unsafe passing maneuver made by the teen driver. It highlighted the importance of educating young drivers on the safe operation of vehicles. It also discussed the dangers of anhydrous ammonia and the need for safe transportation and storage of the chemical.

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