Transportation Chemical Incidents – Week of 2-22-25

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 – 491 (458 highway, 19 air, 14 rail, 0 water)

• Serious incidents – 7 (6 Bulk release, 0 evacuation, 1 injury, 0 death, 1 major artery closed, 0 fire/explosion, 25 no release)

• Largest container involved – 33,780-gal DOT 112J400W Railcar {Petroleum Gases, Liquefied or Liquefied Petroleum Gas} Loose sample line valve and loose sample line plug. No link to the incident report provided.

• Largest amount spilled – 5,400-gal Trailer {Sodium Hydroxide, Solution} Undeclared hazardous material. Sodium hydroxide added to wastewater in an aluminum tanker.

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

Most Interesting Chemical: Ammonium Nitrate, Liquid (Hot Concentrated Solution) - Ammonium nitrate liquid is the white crystals dissolved in water. Though the material itself is noncombustible it will accelerate the burning of combustible materials. Toxic oxides of nitrogen are produced in fires involving this material. It is used to make fertilizers and explosives. Capable of detonation or explosive decomposition or explosive reaction but requires a strong initiating source or must be heated under confinement before initiation. (Source: CameoChemicals.NOAA.gov).