Police identify driver involved in Teutopolis crash, resulting in deadly chemical spill

Police seek driver of car involved in Teutopolis crash, resulting in deadly chemical spill

Illinois State Police are asking for the publics help in identifying the driver of a car that was potentially involved in a crash that resulted in five deaths and several injuries.

TEUTOPOLIS, Ill. - Illinois State Police have identified the driver of a car believed to be involved in a crash last week that resulted in five deaths and several injuries in Teutopolis.

The dark-colored vehicle was caught on video around 8:35 p.m. Friday traveling westbound through the intersection of U.S. Highway 40 and Spring Creek Road in Montrose, Illinois, according to state police

A semitruck carrying caustic anhydrous ammonia toppled about 9:25 p.m. Friday night in Teutopolis, spilling more than half of its 7,500-gallon (28,390- liter) load, according to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.

Effingham County Coroner Kim Rhodes said the five dead included three from the same family — one adult and two children under 12. The other two were adult motorists from out of state, Rhodes said. Additionally, five people were airlifted to area hospitals, their conditions unknown.

Due to the plume from the ammonia leak, roughly 500 residents were evacuated from northeastern parts of Teutopolis until around 8 p.m. on Saturday.

ISP continues to investigate and is consulting with the Effingham County State’s Attorney.