Transportation Chemical Incidents – Week of 8-23-25

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 – 531 (494 highway, 29 air, 8 rail, 0 water)

• Serious incidents – 2 (1 Bulk release, 2 evacuation, 1 injury, 0 death, 0 major artery closed, 1 fire/explosion, 24 no release)

• Largest container involved – 30,160-gal DOT 117R100W Railcar {Alcohols, N.O.S.} No gasket installed in manway.

• Largest amount spilled – 350-gal Pressure Receptacle {Trimethylchlorosilane} Containers not blocked/chocked, crushed in transit.

• Total amount reported spilled in all incidents – 1522.5-gal

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

Most Interesting Chemical: Trimethylchlorosilane: A colorless fuming liquid with a pungent odor. Boiling point 135°F, Flash point -18°F. Density 0.854 g / cm3. The vapor and liquid may cause burns. Vapors are heavier than air. Trimethylchlorosilane reacts vigorously with water to generate gaseous HCl. (Source: CameoChemicals.NOAA.gov).