A semi-truck collision in central Illinois on Friday night, resulting in an ammonia leak, tragically claimed the lives of five individuals, including two children, according to authorities.

Due to the hazardous ammonia leak, approximately 500 residents residing within a one-mile radius of the incident in the Teutopolis area were compelled to evacuate.

The truck spilled over half of its 7,500-gallon cargo of caustic anhydrous ammonia, as confirmed by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Fox News reported.

Anhydrous ammonia serves multiple purposes, including its use by farmers to enhance soil with nitrogen fertilizer and as a refrigerant in the cooling systems of large structures.

Among the deceased, one adult and the two children were part of the same family, while the other two adults were identified as out-of-state motorists, as stated by the Effingham County Coroner.

The identities and causes of death for these victims have not been disclosed at this time.

In addition to the fatalities, five other individuals were transported to the hospital in undisclosed conditions.

Written by staff