Teen Driver's Risky Maneuver Leads to Fatal Tanker Crash in Illinois

A federal report has shed light on a tragic incident that occurred approximately one year ago in central Illinois. The report details a tanker-truck crash that resulted in the loss of five lives and the release of a hazardous chemical, stemming from a risky overtaking maneuver by a teenage driver.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released findings, including an interview with a 17-year-old Ohio girl who acknowledged her role in the incident. The teenager admitted that her dangerous passing maneuver forced the tanker off the road on U.S. Route 40 near Teutopolis on September 29, 2023.

According to the dash-cam footage from the truck, the tanker slowed and moved to the right to allow the minivan to return to the correct lane, avoiding a head-on collision with oncoming traffic. The girl's reaction upon viewing the footage during an October 4, 2023, interview with Illinois State Police was one of shock and remorse.

The tanker, carrying anhydrous ammonia—a substance commonly used in agriculture and industrial refrigeration—jack-knifed and collided with a parked utility trailer. This collision punctured the tank, releasing approximately 3,750 gallons of the toxic chemical. The incident occurred around 8:40 p.m., just outside Teutopolis, a community located about 177 kilometers northeast of St. Louis.

The consequences were severe, with five fatalities, including three family members who were near the road at the time. Authorities evacuated approximately 500 people from the area to protect them from exposure to the hazardous plume.

"Oh, (expletive). Yeah. Oh, my goodness. Yep, totally my bad. Wow. Holy (expletive)."

The teenager explained that she was traveling with her family to visit her mother's partner in the Illinois suburbs of St. Louis. An earlier accident on Interstate 70 had diverted substantial traffic onto U.S. 40. The girl admitted to passing three trucks, with the fatal incident occurring during the last overtake.

While the girl claimed her pass began in a designated zone, the truck's dash-cam footage showed a no-passing sign. She estimated her speed at 90 mph when returning to the right lane, narrowly avoiding an oncoming vehicle.

The truck driver, who survived the crash, reported moving onto the shoulder to accommodate the minivan. However, the truck lost traction on gravel and struck a drainage culvert, leading to the catastrophic event.

Investigations are ongoing, with the Effingham County State's Attorney, Aaron Jones, receiving the Illinois State Police findings last month. The NTSB's report is factual and does not include analysis or conclusions, which are expected at a later date.

This incident highlights the critical importance of safe driving practices, especially on two-lane highways. It also underscores the potential consequences of transporting hazardous materials and the impact of traffic diversions on smaller roads and communities.

As the legal process unfolds, it's worth noting that juvenile cases in the U.S. often focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment. However, the severity of this incident may influence how the case is handled.