Today, the Illinois State Police (ISP) announced their identification of the vehicle and driver implicated in a deadly crash on U.S. Highway 40, in Teutopolis, Illinois, from September 29, 2023. This catastrophe claimed five lives and left several injured, provoking a community response to aid the ongoing investigative efforts of ISP and the Effingham County State's Attorney.
ILLINOIS STATE POLICE IDENTIFY VEHICLE AND INDIVIDUAL INVOLVED IN U.S. HIGHWAY 40 FATAL CRASH
— IllinoisStatePolice (@ILStatePolice) October 5, 2023
Read full news release: https://t.co/EfMIqcee9T#ILStatePolice pic.twitter.com/tH3U1KUORt
Alluding to the accident, a semi-truck tanker transporting 7,500 gallons of anhydrous ammonia unexpectedly punctured. Consequently, approximately 4,000 gallons of the hazardous substance dispersed into the vicinity, leading to an eviction of around 500 residents and the closure of U.S. Highway 40 between Effingham and Montrose.
The communities of Montrose and Teutopolis were applauded by ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly for their contribution to the investigation in a press release. Their support helped in identifying the vehicle and its driver, involved in the disaster, however, ISP refrained from disclosing further details regarding the suspect, pending their investigation and coordination with the Effingham County State's Attorney.
