Autopsies confirm 5 died of chemical exposure in tanker crash

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Autopsies have confirmed that five people who died when a chemical tanker overturned in central Illinois last month died from exposure to caustic anhydrous ammonia fumes. Effingham County Coroner Kim Rhodes said Monday the official results confirmed preliminary findings from the Sept. 29 crash involving a tanker carrying the agricultural fertilizer just east of Teutopolis. The five victims, including two children, suffered severe chemical burns to their entire bodies, as well as their eyes and respiratory systems, she said. Killed in the crash were Danny J. Smith, 67, of New Haven, Missouri; Vasile Cricovan, 31, of Twinsburg, Ohio; 34-year-old Kenneth Bryan of Teutopolis and his children Walker, 10, and Rosie, 7, of Beecher City.