Effingham County Coroner Kim Rhodes has released updated information concerning the September 29 hazardous material accident just east of Teutopolis that resulted in five fatalities and sent numerous people to the hospital along with resulting in a large evacuation of Teutopolis residents. In the updated release, Rhodes cites that “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.” Rhodes also lists an update on the seven individuals who were hospitalized after the incident, listing five as having been discharged from the hospital and two individuals still in critical condition in the hospital. The accident is still under investigation by the Illinois State Police as well as the National Transportation Safety Board.
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