Update on Tuesday's Anhydrous Leak in Stewardson

(THE CLOUD OF ANHYDROUS AS SET AGAINST THE SUNRISE TUESDAY IN STEWARDSON)

Details have been released on Tuesday morning's anhydrous leak in Stewardson.

Stewardson Fire and EMS report the incident occurred about 5:30am when a transport truck carrying anhydrous ammonia, from Jones Trucking Service in Stewardson, was offloading approximately 20-1/2 tons of the product into a storage container owned by The Equity. A malfunction occurred resulting in the release of approximately 19 tons of the anhydrous. All indications, Stewardson officials say, are that the incident was purely accidental and no foul play is suspected.

Approximately 200 residents were evacuated from the affected part of the community. Responders from local fire departments and law enforcement agencies went door-to-door in the affected area to check on the welfare of anyone that might not have been evacuated. Residents were relocated to a number of shelters that opened up, and village officials thanked those who opened their doors to the affected residents. A number of individuals were transported to an area hospital where they were treated for respiratory issues due to being exposed to the vapor. Residents were given the "all clear" to return to their homes at about 8:30am. Anyone that is experiencing symptoms of exposure are encouraged to seek medical attention to be evaluated.

The Village of Stewardson and Stewardson Fire and EMS are thanking all of the agencies that responded to the incident. Those include the Strasburg, Cowden, Shumway, Shelbyville, Effingham, Windsor, Tri-County, Sigel, Altamont, Edgewood, Wade Township, Watson, Dieterich and Newton fire departments, Shelby County Sheriff's Department, Cowden and Windsor police departments, Illinois Department of Natural Resources conservation police, Illinois State Police, and Shelby County Emergency Management Agency.