Jacob Bloemker Injured In Teutopolis Accident That Caused Chemical Spill

Truck Accident - October 7, 2023

Jacob Bloemker, of Brownstown, Illinois, Injured In Effingham County Multi-Vehicle Collision That Lead To Anhydrous Ammonia Chemical Spill on Highway 40

Jacob Bloemker Injured In Teutopolis Accident That Caused Chemical Spill

EFFINGHAM, ILLINOIS (October 7, 2023) – A 24-year-old man identified as Jacob Bloemker was injured in Teutopolis after being exposed to anhydrous ammonia from a tanker truck.

Effingham County officials are saying that the incident began around 9:25 p.m. on Friday. A passenger vehicle was attempting to pass a tanker truck when a multi-vehicle collision occurred on U.S. Highway 40.

The tanker truck was carrying an estimated 7,500 gallons of anhydrous ammonia when it flipped and began leaking. More than half of the toxic chemicals leaked out prompting an evacuation in the area.

Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene in order to help all of the victims. A group of University of Missouri-Columbia students became trapped in a ditch and had to be rescued.

Jacob Bloemker was one of five people who had to be airlifted from the scene after being exposed to the anhydrous ammonia. Two other people were taken to the hospital in an ambulance.

Sadly, five people died due to their injuries following the crash. A full investigation into the crash that injured Jacob Bloemker and many others remains ongoing at this time.

Liability For Effingham County Chemical Spill Accidents

Chemical spills are far more common than many people may realize. For 2023, there have been around two chemical spills every day in the United States. According to The Guardian, “A Guardian analysis of data collected by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and by non-profit groups that track chemical accidents in the US shows that accidental releases – be they through train derailments, truck crashes, pipeline ruptures or industrial plant leaks and spills – are happening consistently across the country.” Victims of chemical spills tend to suffer very serious injuries including:

  • Chemical burns
  • Cancer
  • Lung damage
  • Brain damage
  • Skin injuries

Depending on the facts of any case, there could be numerous liable parties for any accident involving a truck chemical spill. A hazmat situation could be created if chemicals are not properly stored in transit. Pursuant to Illinois Vehicle Code 625 ILCS 5/15-109.1, truck loads must be secured in a safe fashion  to reduce the possibility of cargo shift and debris in the roadway. If a company fails to properly secure the load on a truck, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. It is important that evidence is properly preserved after any chemical spill.

  • Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
  • Medical records should be preserved.
  • Surveillance footage should be sought.
  • The truck driver’s work records should be reviewed.

Victims of chemical spills should seek medical care as early as possible. Many of the injuries associated with chemical spills may not be obvious for several days or weeks. Victims may need to take time away from work and be left with high medical bills. Any person that is injured due to the negligence of a person or company that results in a chemical leak may be able to seek aid through a bodily injury claim. Damages recovered in a civil claim can help make what is otherwise an extremely difficult situation much more manageable.

Getting Help After Illinois Chemical Spill Accidents

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our best wishes to Jacob Bloemker and all of those injured in this accident. It is our sincere hope that he will be able to make a full recovery. Effingham County officials need to do their part and get to the bottom of what went wrong.

Have you or someone that you care about been injured in an Illinois chemical spill accident? You may have legal recourse through a bodily injury claim. Our team of personal injury attorneys are here to help in any way that we can. We are committed to getting accident victims the support that they need in order to recover. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of assistance after any incident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.