Transportation Chemical Incidents – Week of 1-4-25

Reporting Background

See this post for explanation, with the most recent 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 – 390 (354 highway, 32 air, 4 rail, 0 water)

• Serious incidents – 5 (5 Bulk release, 0 evacuation, 0 injury, 0 death, 0 major artery closed, 0 fire/explosion, 24 no release)

• Largest container involved – 32,900-gal 113C120W Railcar {Ethylene, Refrigerated Liquid (Cryogenic Liquid)} Overpressure venting.

• Largest amount spilled – 4,000-gal DOT 406 Tank Truck {Gasoline Includes Gasoline Mixed With Ethyl Alcohol, With Not More Than 10% Alcohol} Trailer damaged in roll-over truck accident.

NOTE: Links above are to Form 5800.1 for the described incidents.

Most Interesting Chemical: Trifluoroacetic Acid – A colorless fuming liquid with a pungent odor. Soluble in water and denser than water. Corrosive to skin, eyes and mucous membranes. Used to make other chemicals and as a solvent. (Source: CameoChemicals.NOAA.gov).