Chemical Spill in Illinois Leads to Evacuation and Fatalities
Effingham County, located in south-central Illinois, witnessed a tragic incident when a semi-truck carrying thousands of gallons of anhydrous ammonia crashed on US Highway 40. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency revealed that the truck was transporting approximately 7,500 gallons of this toxic substance at the time of the accident. Unfortunately, more than half of it, around 4,000 gallons, were released during the collision, resulting in the loss of at least five lives.
The immediate aftermath of the crash necessitated the evacuation of around 500 individuals from the affected area. However, after conducting extensive tests, officials have now announced that it is safe for residents to return home. According to Teutopolis Assistant Fire Chief Joe Holomy, “Testing has indicated that the danger from the anhydrous ammonia has dissipated.” This is a relief for the residents of Teutopolis, who were forced to evacuate due to the plume from the ammonia leak caused by the crash.
Evacuation and Ongoing Investigation
The evacuation of parts of Teutopolis was deemed necessary due to the plume of ammonia triggered by the accident. The crashed tanker has since been drained and patched, and has been relocated to a secure location for examination by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The Illinois State Police are also conducting their investigation to determine the cause of the accident.
Injuries and Continuous Leak Containment
Tragically, apart from the fatalities, multiple injuries have been reported. Emergency crews have been diligently working to contain the ammonia leak since the accident occurred. As of Saturday afternoon, the state’s EPA reported that emergency personnel were still present at the scene, actively managing the situation and making efforts to minimize the impact of the leak.
Secondary Crash and Rerouted Traffic
Complicating matters further, a separate crash occurred on Interstate 70 just east of Effingham, causing traffic to be diverted to US Highway 40. This secondary accident added to the chaos and challenges faced by the authorities in handling the situation.
Anhydrous Ammonia: A Potent and Dangerous Substance
Anhydrous ammonia, a highly concentrated form of ammonia without water, is categorized as an extremely hazardous substance. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), it is composed of over 99 percent ammonia. In contrast, household ammonia contains only 5 to 10 percent ammonia, diluted with water. Exposure to anhydrous ammonia can result in severe skin, respiratory, and eye irritation, and can even be fatal in high concentrations. Its effects on the airways and its ability to attach to mucus and moist surfaces make it especially dangerous.
The Impact on Effingham County
Effingham County, with a population of approximately 34,000, is located about two hours south of Illinois’ capital, Springfield. The chemical spill and subsequent evacuation have undoubtedly had a profound impact on the community. Clayton Kuetemeyer, Deputy Director of Emergency Management at the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security, expressed sympathies to those affected by the accident and spill.
Read More of this Story at www.cnn.com – 2023-10-01 06:53:00
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