Transportation Chemical Incidents – Week of 1-18-25

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 – 372 (331 highway, 38 air, 3 rail, 0 water)

• Serious incidents – 7 (4 Bulk release, 3 evacuation, 1 injury, 0 death, 2 major artery closed, 2 fire/explosion, 22 no release)

• Largest container involved – 28,028-gal DOT 111A100W1 Railcar {Acetone} Bottom outlet stem packing gland packing retainer nuts loose.

• Largest amount spilled – 355,000-gfc DOT SP-16524 Trailer {Natural Gases (with High Methane Content)} During unloading normally open fire protection system lost supply pressure due to a frozen 1/4" swagelok tube blockage from frozen oil.

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

Most Interesting Chemical: Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) – A mixture of butane, isobutane, propane, propylene, butylenes and other hydrocarbons of low molecular weight that is refined from petroleum. Maintained as a liquid under pressure. Leaking vessels can release either the liquid, which quickly vaporizes, or the gaseous mixture. The gas is heavier than air-- a flame can flash back to the source of the leak very easily. Under prolonged exposure to heat the containers may rupture violently and rocket. Used as a fuel, an aerosol propellant, in cigarette lighters, and to make other chemicals. (Source: CameoChemicals.NOAA.gov).