Transportation Chemical Incidents – Week of 2-8-25

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 – 396 (362 highway, 33 air, 1 rail, 0 water)

• Serious incidents – 7 (7 Bulk release, 1 evacuation, 0 injury, 0 death, 1 major artery closed, 0 fire/explosion, 28 no release)

• Largest container involved – 30,290-gal DOT 117J100W Railcar {Alcohols, N.O.S.} Release from two railcars during derailment incident.

• Largest amount spilled – 6,950-gal truck trailer {Nitrogen, Refrigerated Liquid (Cryogenic Liquid)} PSV line damaged in rollover accident.

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

Most Interesting Chemical: Trichloroethylene (TCE) – A clear colorless volatile liquid having a chloroform-like odor. Denser than water and is slightly soluble in water. Noncombustible. Used as a solvent, fumigant, in the manufacture of other chemicals, and for many other uses. (Source: CameoChemicals.NOAA.gov).