Teutopolis IL Major MVA Leaves 5 Dead and Large Anhydrous Ammonia Leak

[raybrag]

Teutopolis is roughly 100 miles east of St. Louis.

Father, two young children among 5 dead in crash of truck carrying anhydrous ammonia

Five others remain hospitalized. An evacuation was ordered within a one-mile radius when the semi-truck started leaking the potentially toxic chemical.

www.nbcnews.com

 

[3511]

Teutopolis is roughly 100 miles east of St. Louis.

Father, two young children among 5 dead in crash of truck carrying anhydrous ammonia

Five others remain hospitalized. An evacuation was ordered within a one-mile radius when the semi-truck started leaking the potentially toxic chemical.

www.nbcnews.com

Anhydrous ammonia was a primary reason for the establishment of the rescue companies in the FDNY. It was used primarily as a refrigerant in the late 1800s until about 1930. The refrigerators that began to replace ice boxes in the 19teens and 20s were charged with this compound, which could be lethal if it escaped from its container. The general populace was particularly skittish as regards to gas leaks after the activities of World War I trench warfare.

Many early Rescue runs/workers were to contain ammonia leaks. I believe Rescue 3 was enroute to such a gas leak when it fatally crashed with Engine 48 at Valentine Ave at 188th St. In the late 1930s, killing Captain Treacy of E48.

What goes round comes round...

 

[grumpy grizzly]

Anhydrous ammonia was a primary reason for the establishment of the rescue companies in the FDNY. It was used primarily as a refrigerant in the late 1800s until about 1930. The refrigerators that began to replace ice boxes in the 19teens and 20s were charged with this compound, which could be lethal if it escaped from its container. The general populace was particularly skittish as regards to gas leaks after the activities of World War I trench warfare.

Many early Rescue runs/workers were to contain ammonia leaks. I believe Rescue 3 was enroute to such a gas leak when it fatally crashed with Engine 48 at Valentine Ave at 188th St. In the late 1930s, killing Captain Treacy of E48.

What goes round comes round...

I was down in Effingham Friday delivery cars for Enterprise. There is 8-10 miles of re-construction on I-70 so people use IL-40 which runs adjacent to it Parts of it are just a 2 lane road. I understand the need to move dangerous chemicals but I strongly feel that it should not be transported at night or in hazardous driving conditions such as a major snowstorm. Except for Effingham that is mostly farmland with small towns and volunteer departments. 10PM you are not expecting to roll into something like that. Prayers for all involved.

 

[entropychaser]

Anhydrous ammonia was a primary reason for the establishment of the rescue companies in the FDNY. It was used primarily as a refrigerant in the late 1800s until about 1930. The refrigerators that began to replace ice boxes in the 19teens and 20s were charged with this compound, which could be lethal if it escaped from its container. The general populace was particularly skittish as regards to gas leaks after the activities of World War I trench warfare.

Many early Rescue runs/workers were to contain ammonia leaks. I believe Rescue 3 was enroute to such a gas leak when it fatally crashed with Engine 48 at Valentine Ave at 188th St. In the late 1930s, killing Captain Treacy of E48.

What goes round comes round...

Sulfur dioxide was probably the common working refrigerant (R-764). It was cheap and had a high heat of evaporation. But the larger the system, the more likely it used ammonia, Hence the need for a rescue company response. Both are nasty.

 

[grumpy grizzly]

Illinois State Police have launched a search for the vehicle believed to have been involved in this by cutting in front of the truck.

 

[grumpy grizzly]

Just an update on this incident four are still hospitalized. Three are still on ventilators and one is very critical. As noted they are having breathing problems as well as vision after effects.