The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Wednesday released the “docket” on their investigation of a fatal 2023 crash near Teutopolis that released toxic anhydrous ammonia into the community.
“We just passed the one-year anniversary of this tragedy, and it’s encouraging to see that the investigation is moving forward, and investigators have made the information collected so far public,” said State Representative Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville).
On September 29, 2023 a semi-truck hauling a tank of anhydrous ammonia swerved to avoid a vehicle in a construction zone on Highway 40 Near Teutopolis. The truck overturned, and the leaking ammonia vapor claimed the lives of five individuals, hospitalized several others, and caused the evacuation of a large portion of the community. The docket released by the NTSB this week includes the agency’s preliminary report, the reconstruction report by the Illinois State Police, and a variety of information on hazardous materials, the construction zone, drivers involved, and other factors. The full docket can be accessed here.
“I was pleased that the NTSB will be continuing with their analysis, findings, and safety recommendations as well. We must work to prevent this type of tragedy from happening again,” Rep. Halbrook said.
This past spring, Rep. Halbrook introduced House Bill 5422 to require more information sharing between the Illinois Department of Transportation and local officials, law enforcement, and nearby medical professionals on highway construction and repair projects near their communities. The legislation was stalled in the House Rules Committee by the Democrat supermajority, but Rep. Halbrook said he will reintroduce the measure which was supported by the Effingham County Sheriff.