UPDATE: 9 am Monday
The tanker that contained anhydrous ammonia has been drained, patched, and removed to a secure location. An investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board is pending.
>>Victims of Teutopolis crash identified
UPDATE: 11 pm Sunday
US Route 40 from St. Francis Township and Effingham County N1950th Rd. will be closed from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday for the crash investigation.
IDOT will reroute traffic in Montrose south to Dietrich and back onto Route 33 to Effingham. From Effingham, they will have truck traffic reroute from Fayette and Willow to Route 33 to Dietrich and back north to Route 40.
UPDATE: 10 pm Saturday
Illinois Emergency Management Agency released an update on the investigation into an accident and chemical spill near Teutopolis.
In a release, IEMA says, local officials have determined that the danger to residents has passed.
Teutopolis Assistant Fire Chief Joe Holomy is allowing residents to return to their homes. “Testing has indicated that the danger from the anhydrous ammonia has dissipated. We have notified residents that they may return home.” said Holomy.
UPDATE: 2 pm Saturday
Five people, including two children died after Friday night's anhydrous ammonia leak in Teutopolis.
Kim Rhodes, the Effingham County Coroner tells WAND News, the children and one adult are part of the same family, and they are from the area.
The other two people dead are from out of state.
Another five people were airlifted to regional hospitals.
The driver of the semi-truck that was carrying the anhydrous ammonia was airlifted to Springfield Memorial Hospital.
Illinois Environmental Protection Agency says, the semi-truck was carrying approximately 7,500 gallons of anhydrous ammonia at the time of the accident. Early estimates indicate approximately 4,000 gallons have been released. The leak has been partially patched.
IEPA says, currently approximately 500 individuals have been evacuated from the area due to the leak.
U.S. Route 40 between Effingham and Montrose remains closed.
The evacuation is expected to remain in place through Sunday morning.
WAND News will continue to provide updates as we get them.
UPDATE: Saturday 9 am:
A semitruck carrying anhydrous ammonia overturned, causing “multiple fatalities” and prompting an evacuation.
Illinois State Police say, The accident involved “multiple” vehicles, happened about a half-mile east of Teutopolis on U.S. Highway 40 on Friday around 9:25 p.m.
Due to the plume from the ammonia leak, an evacuation was ordered within an approximate one-mile radius of the crash, including northeastern parts of Teutopolis.
“At this time, there are multiple fatalities,” the statement said. The number of deaths was not immediately disclosed.
The highway between Teutopolis and Montrose is closed. Crews were working to contain the leak.
Anhydrous ammonia is toxic and can be a health hazard if safe handling procedures are not followed. Effects of inhalation of anhydrous ammonia range from lung irritation to severe respiratory injuries, with possible death at higher concentrations. Anhydrous ammonia is also corrosive and can burn the skin and eyes.
WAND News will continue to bring updates as they are available.
ORIGINAL: Friday 11 PM
TEUTOPOLIS, Ill. (WAND) — An evacuation order is in place for part of the community of Teutopolis.
According to the Effingham City/County 911 Facebook page, all residents north of the CSX railroad tracks and east of the Teutopolis High School.
A shelter for those evacuees has been set up at the St. Anthony Grade School in Effingham.
Officials say U.S. Route 40 is closed in Teutopolis due to the incident.
It is unknown at this time the cause of the chemical spill.
WAND is working to learn more and will update this story with the latest information.
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