Transportation Chemical Incidents – Week of 5-17-25

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 – 583 (551 highway, 29 air, 3 rail, 0 water)

• Serious incidents – 2 (2 Bulk release, 0 evacuation, 0 injury, 0 death, 0 major artery closed, 0 fire/explosion, 33 no release)

• Largest container involved – 30,270-gal Railcar {HYDROCHLORIC ACID} No description of incident of type of railcar.

• Largest amount spilled – 200-gal Plastic IBC {Corrosive Liquid, Acidic, Inorganic, N.O.S.} Improper blocking and bracing.

• Total amount reported spilled in all incidents – 1669.4 gal

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

Most Interesting Chemical: Methyltetrahydrofuran: A colorless liquid with an ether-like odor. Less dense than water. Vapors heavier than air. Used to make other chemicals and as a solvent. Highly flammable. Partially soluble in water. Oxidizes readily in air to form unstable peroxides that may explode spontaneously. (Source: CameoChemicals.NOAA.gov).