Transportation Chemical Incidents – Week of 8-16-25

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 (521 highway, 36 air, 5 rail, 0 water)

• Serious incidents – 8 (7 Bulk release, 1 evacuation, 3 injury, 0 death, 0 major artery closed, 0 fire/explosion, 36 no release)

• Largest container involved – 28,810-gal DOT 117J100W Railcar {Ethanol Or Ethyl Alcohol Or Ethanol Solutions Or Ethyl Alcohol Solutions} vapor valve was in the open position and the camlock cap was not installed.

• Largest amount spilled – 16,520-gal 204W (?) Railcar {Argon, Refrigerated Liquid (Cryogenic Liquid)} Release from the backside of the gage assembly causing liquid to release.

• Total amount reported spilled in all incidents – 19,842.6 gal

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

Most Interesting Chemical: Difluoromethane: A colorless odorless gas. Insoluble in water and has a high thermal stability. Its vapors are heavier than air. Under prolonged exposure to fire or intense heat the containers may rupture violently and rocket. Contact with the unconfined liquid can cause frostbite. Used as a refrigerant. (Source: CameoChemicals.NOAA.gov).