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TEUTOPOLIS, IL – A semi-truck transporting anhydrous ammonia overturned on U.S. Highway 40 near Teutopolis, leading to five fatalities and the evacuation of hundreds of residents.
The accident happened at approximately 8:40 p.m. local time on Friday. Effingham County Sheriff Paul Kuhns informed the media during a Saturday briefing that the overturned vehicle released a large cloud of anhydrous ammonia, creating hazardous air conditions in the surrounding northeast area.
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency confirmed five deaths and multiple injuries. State police also reported that several other vehicles were involved in the accident.
