Transportation Chemical Incidents – Week of 3-2-24

Reporting Background

See this post for explanation, with an update here (removed from paywall).

Data from PHMSA’s online database of transportation related chemical incidents that have been reported to the agency.

Incidents Summary (links are to accident report)

• Number of incidents – 535 (500 highway, 20 air, 15 rail)

• Serious incidents – 5 (5 Bulk release, 0 injuries, 0 deaths, 1 major artery closed)

• Largest container involved – 29,925-gal DOT 111A100W1 railcar (Gasoline Includes Gasoline Mixed With Ethyl Alcohol, With Not More Than 10% Alcohol) Car was found leaking from top. Liquid valve opened and secondary closer plug missing. 15-gal leaked.

• Largest amount spilled – 6,000-gal (Gasoline Includes Gasoline Mixed With Ethyl Alcohol, With Not More Than 10% Alcohol), tank truck roll-over accident punctured tank shell.

Most Interesting Chemical: Hexaldehyde - alkyl aldehyde used in the flavor industry to produce fruity flavors. A clear colorless liquid with a pungent odor. Flash point 90°F. Less dense than water and insoluble in water. Vapors heavier than air.