Transportation Chemical Incidents – Week of 6-28-25

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 – 562 (541 highway, 18 air, 3 rail, 0 water)

• Serious incidents – 1 (0 Bulk release, 1 evacuation, 0 injury, 0 death, 0 major artery closed, 2 fire/explosion, 27 no release)

• Largest container involved – 29,020-gal DOT 117R100W Railcar {Fuel Oil (No. 1, 2, 4, 5, or 6)} Bottom outlet valve leaking.

• Largest amount spilled – 55-gal Metal drum {Paint Including Paint, Lacquer, Enamel, Stain, Shellac Solutions, Varnish, Polish, Liquid Filler and Liquid Lacquer Base} Drum crushed in transit, not appropriately blocked or chocked.

• Total amount reported spilled in all incidents – 1108.4 gal

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

Most Interesting Chemical: Acetonitrile: A colorless clear liquid with an aromatic odor. Flash point 42°F. Density 0.783 g / cm3. Toxic by skin absorption. Less dense than water. Vapors are denser than air. Decomposes when heated to produce deadly toxic hydrogen cyanide gas and oxides of nitrogen. (Source: CameoChemicals.NOAA.gov).