Teutopolis Crash: Multiple people killed after semitruck carrying anhydrous ammonia crashes prompting evacuation

TEUTOPOLIS, Ill. — A semitruck carrying anhydrous ammonia overturned in central Illinois, spilling the chemical and causing an evacuation of area residents Friday night, Illinois State Police said.
The crash happened around 9:25 p.m. on Route 40, about a half mile east of Teutopolis in Effingham County.
Due to to a plume from the ammonia leak, people within a one-mile radius of the crash, including northeastern parts of Teutopolis, have been evacuated, state police said.
In a news conference Saturday morning, the Effingham County Sheriff Paul Kuhns said that there are multiple fatalities as a result of the crash.
“I’m sorry to say I don’t have that exact number for you,” said Kuhns. “We’re still dealing with the crash and the emergency caused by that anhydrous ammonia spill and we will and release more information as it becomes available.”
Traffic is shut down as crews are working to contain the leak while first responders and emergency workers continue to respond the incident, police said.
“I understand how frustrating that would be to not be allowed to travel or to go back home but we really need to focus our resources on this spill,” said Kuhns.
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.
“It’s bad stuff if gaming you breath it especially because it gets in your airways, in your lungs and it burns,” said Kuhns,.
Teutopolis is about 92 miles (148 kilometers) southeast of Springfield, the capital of Illinois. Associated Press contributed to this article