Local, state and federal agencies in Effingham County responded to an accident involving multiple vehicles including a semitruck carrying anhydrous ammonia on Friday.
The Illinois State Police were first notified of the incident at approximately 9:25 p.m. on Sept. 29. The report also included five casualties and multiple injuries.
Four thousand gallons of anhydrous ammonia were released into the air after the multi-vehicle crash. Roughly 500 residents of northeastern Teutopolis were evacuated from the area. U.S. Highway 40 was shut down from Effingham to Montrose for the duration of the incident.
A private hazmat company contained the leak. The Environmental Protection Agency conducted air monitoring and found no concerning levels.
Residents were able to return to the area after 8 p.m. on Sept. 30.
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Sameer Vohra, Illinois Department of Public Health director, said, “IDPH is working with our local health department partner to monitor the situation and provide needed support.”
The ISP are currently investigating the cause of the crash.
