Transportation Chemical Incidents – Week of 4-20-24

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

• Number of incidents – 507 (384 highway, 56 air, 4 rail, water 0)

• Serious incidents – 2 (2 Bulk release, 0 evacuation, 0 injury, 0 death, 0 major artery closed, 1 fire/explosion). Note: The fire/explosion incident was an exploding vape pen on an aircraft. A small fire resulted, but it was put out with onboard fire extinguisher.

• Largest container involved – 30,067-gal DOT 111A100W railcar {Fuel Oil (NO. 1, 2, 4, 5, OR 6)} Derailed railcar in railyard was on its side, leaking from vacuum relief valve. 75-gal leaked.

• Largest amount spilled – 550-gal (Gasoline Includes Gasoline Mixed with Ethyl Alcohol, with Not More Than 10% Alcohol) Tank truck rollover accident and the shell was punctured, spilled 5649-gal of gasoline, no fire. Note: there is a discrepancy between the amount spilled column and the description of the accident.

Most Interesting Chemical: Toluene Diisocyanate: A clear colorless to pale yellow liquid with a pungent odor. Denser than water. Burns, but may be difficult to ignite (Flash point 250°F). Vapors are heavier than air. This chemical is highly toxic by inhalation and ingestion. It is also highly toxic by skin contact. It is an irritant of the skin, eyes, mucous membranes and respiratory tract.