Tragic Illinois Ammonia Truck Crash Claims 5 Lives, Forces Evacuations

Five people were killed and five were seriously injured after a truck carrying caustic anhydrous ammonia overturned in central Illinois, causing a toxic substance to leak and forcing the evacuation of hundreds of residents. The victims included three from the same family and two adult motorists from out of state. Emergency crews worked overnight to control the leak and residents were allowed to return home after testing confirmed the area was safe. The National Transportation Safety Board will review the crash. Anhydrous ammonia is used as a fertilizer and refrigerant, and incidents involving its release have caused injuries and fatalities in the past.