The following is part of a news release issued by the Illinois EPA early this (Saturday 9/30) afternoon:
TEUTOPOLIS – Representatives from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA), Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS), Illinois State Police (ISP), and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) are on scene and coordinating response with local Police and Fire Departments and the Effingham County Emergency Management Agency in response to a multi-vehicle accident involving a semi-truck transporting anhydrous ammonia. Representatives from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) are on scene, and additional U.S. EPA contractors along with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are also en route to the scene.
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. There have been five fatalities reported as well as multiple injuries. Currently approximately 500 individuals have been evacuated from the area due to the anhydrous ammonia leak.
TEUTOPOLIS – Representatives from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA), Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS), Illinois State Police (ISP), and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) are on scene and coordinating response with local Police and Fire Departments and the Effingham County Emergency Management Agency in response to a multi-vehicle accident involving a semi-truck transporting anhydrous ammonia. Representatives from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) are on scene, and additional U.S. EPA contractors along with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are also en route to the scene.
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. There have been five fatalities reported as well as multiple injuries. Currently approximately 500 individuals have been evacuated from the area due to the anhydrous ammonia leak.
