Transportation Chemical Incidents – Week of 5-31-25

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 – 643 (604 highway, 38 air, 1 rail, 0 water)

• Serious incidents – 2 (1 Bulk release, 0 evacuation, 0 injury, 0 death, 1 major artery closed, 0 fire/explosion, 38 no release)

• Largest container involved – 32,104-gal DOT 111A100W1 Railcar {Flammable Liquids, N.O.S.} Missing manway gasket.

• Largest amount spilled – 200-gal DOT 406 Tankwagon {Diesel Fuel} Overfilled storage tank during unloading.

• Total amount reported spilled in all incidents – 1936.6 gal

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

Most Interesting Chemical: Sodium Nitrate: A white crystalline solid. Noncombustible but accelerates the burning of combustible materials. If large quantities are involved in fire or the combustible material is finely divided an explosion may result. May explode under prolonged exposure to heat or fire. Toxic oxides of nitrogen are produced in fires. Used in solid propellants, explosives, fertilizers, and for many other uses. (Source: CameoChemicals.NOAA.gov).