(The Center Square) – An Illinois lawmaker is calling for changes following a tanker truck crash that resulted in the deaths of several people.
On Friday, Sept. 29, a truck carrying hazardous chemicals left U.S. 40 in Effingham County and released anhydrous ammonia. Five people, including three from the same family, a father and two children, died from ammonia exposure and most of the town of Teutopolis was evacuated.
Traffic, including the tanker, was pushed onto U.S. 40, which bisects Teutopolis, earlier Friday because of another truck crash on Interstate 70.
State Rep. Adam Niemerg, R-Dieterich, said changes need to be made to the construction zone on Interstate 70 so motorists won’t be intimidated to drive though it.
“They won’t take 70, they’re scared because the roads are so narrow. They’ve got one lane and if something happens you’re out on your own and emergency response times are difficult for folks,” Niemerg said.
Repeated requests to the Illinois Department of Transportation to address the situation with the construction zone have been unsuccessful, he said.
“I put out a statement Sunday calling for an action plan to immediately remedy the situation and IDOT officials in Springfield just say that I have baseless claims for this,” Niemerg said.
Niemerg adds that many people have come up to him and said that it was only a matter of time before a tragedy like this happened.
Messages from The Center Square seeking comment from IDOT were not returned.
Illinois State Police are continuing to look for the driver of the vehicle that may have been involved in the incident.
The National Transportation Safety Board continues to investigate the fatal crash.
“I want to thank all of the first responders and emergency personnel who have stepped up to get this emergency under control and my condolences to all of the families who have suffered loss and injury from this tragic event,” said Niemerg.
