Transportation Chemical Incidents – Week of 7-12-25

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 – 687 (649 highway, 33 air, 5 rail, 0 water)

• Serious incidents – 5 (5 Bulk release, 0 evacuation, 0 injury, 0 death, 0 major artery closed, 1 fire/explosion, 34 no release)

• Largest container involved – 25,800-gal DOT 117J100W Railcar {Elevated Temperature Liquid, N.O.S., At or Above 100 C And Below Its Flash Point} Loose manway swing bolts.

• Largest amount spilled – 436-gal Plastic box {Ferric Chloride, Solution} Forklift accident.

• Total amount reported spilled in all incidents – 3838.3 gal

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

Most Interesting Chemical: Sodium Hydroxide, Solid: A white solid. Corrosive to metals and tissue. Used in chemical manufacturing, petroleum refining, cleaning compounds, drain cleaners. A white solid. Corrosive to metals and tissue. Used in chemical manufacturing, petroleum refining, cleaning compounds, drain cleaners. Water reactive (exothermic) (Source: CameoChemicals.NOAA.gov).