Transportation Chemical Incidents – Week of 6-7-25

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 – 616 (579 highway, 31 air, 6 rail, 0 water)

• Serious incidents – 6 (5 Bulk release, 0 evacuation, 0 injury, 0 death, 1 major artery closed, 3 fire/explosion, 40 no release)

• Largest container involved – 30,340-gal DOT 117R100W Railcar {Petroleum Distillates, N.O.S. Or Petroleum Products, N.O.S.} Product expansion due to environmental heating, leaking from pressure relief valve.

• Largest amount spilled – 4,000-gal DOT 406 tankwagon {Diesel Fuel} Trailer damaged in roll-over accident.

• Total amount reported spilled in all incidents – 5860.9 gal

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

Most Interesting Chemical: Sulfuric Acid With More Than 51 Percent Acid - Sulfuric acid is a colorless oily liquid. It is soluble in water with release of heat. It is corrosive to metals and tissue. It will char wood and most other organic matter on contact, but is unlikely to cause a fire. Density 15 lb / gal. Long term exposure to low concentrations or short term exposure to high concentrations can result in adverse health effects from inhalation. It is used to make fertilizers and other chemicals, in petroleum refining, in iron and steel production, and for many other uses. (Source: CameoChemicals.NOAA.gov).