Update on Those Involved in Anhydrous Event at Teutopolis September 29

Effingham County Coroner Kim Rhodes has released updated information regarding the crash and release of anhydrous ammonia at Teutopolis late last month. Some of this information might be upsetting to some of you.

On Friday, September 29, 2023 at approximately 8:40 pm the Effingham County Sheriff’s Department and the Teutopolis Fire Department were notified of a motor vehicle crash on US Rt. 40 just east of Teutopolis, Illinois.

Upon arrival, emergency officiais determined immediately the crash site was unsafe due to a ruptured tanker leaking anhydrous ammonia. The scene was secured and about 500 of the residents of Teutopolis were evacuated. Numerous vehicles were abandoned at the scene as the individuals fled the crash site on foot. Traffic on I-70 had been shut down due to an earlier crash in the construction zone that resulted in these drivers being re-routed onto Rt. 40.

Final and official autopsy reports indicated that all five individuals died from respiratory failure due to inhalation and exposure to anhydrous ammonia. This included severe chemical burns to the entire body, respiratory system, face, eyes and lungs.

Deceased individuals identified as the following:

 Danny J. Smith, age 67 from New Haven, Missouri

 Vasile Cricovan, age 31 from Twinsburg, Ohio

 Kenneth Bryan, age 34 from Teutopolis, Illinois and his two children, Rosie Bryan, age 7 from Beecher City, Illinois and Walker Bryan, age 10 from Beecher City, Illinois

Additionally, seven individuals were severely injured due to the anhydrous ammonia leak at the scene of the crash. They all are still suffering chemical burns to the eyes, lungs and respiratory system and are receiving medical care at this time. These individuals were identified as the following:

 Terrie Tudor, age 61 from Union, Missouri – critical condition in hospital

 John Costello, age 19 from Olathe, Kansas - critical condition in hospital

 Sara Tague, age 18 from Lake Elmo, Minnesota – discharged from hospital

 Anja Dangelmaier, age 18 from Arlington, Texas – discharged from hospital

 Jacob Bloemker, age 24 of Brownstown, Illinois – discharged from hospital

 Weston Hemmerling, age 18 of Kansas City, Kansas – discharged from hospital

 Charlie Whitt, age 66 from Green Castle, Indiana – discharged from hospital

The crash is still under investigation by the Illinois State Police and the National Transportation Safety Board.