Transportation Chemical Incidents – Week of 9-13-25

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 – 513 (481 highway, 25 air, 7 rail, 0 water)

• Serious incidents – 2 (1 Bulk release, 0 evacuation, 0 injury, 0 death, 0 major artery closed, 1 fire/explosion, 33 no release)

• Largest container involved – 27,850-gal DOT 211A100W1 Railcar {Sulfur, Molten} Blown rupture disk.

• Largest amount spilled – 150-gal IBC {Environmentally Hazardous Substances, Liquid, N.O.S.} Load securement strap broke a shifting pallet punctured IBC.

• Total amount reported spilled in all incidents – 1542.2 gal

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

Most Interesting Chemical: Sulfur, Molten: A pale yellow crystalline solid with a faint odor of rotten eggs. Insoluble in water. A fire and explosion risk above 450°F. Transported as a yellow to red liquid. Handled at elevated temperature (typically 290°F) to prevent solidification and makes transfers easier. Hot enough that plastic or rubber may melt or lose strength. Causes thermal burns to skin on contact. Cools rapidly and solidifies if released. Equipment designed to protect against ordinary chemical exposure is ineffective against the thermal hazard. Exercise caution walking on the surface of a spill to avoid breakthrough into pockets of molten sulfur below the crust. Do not attempt to remove sulfur impregnated clothing because of the danger of tearing flesh if a burn has resulted. May be irritating to skin, eyes and mucous membranes. Used in sulfuric acid production, petroleum refining, and pulp and paper manufacturing. (Source: CameoChemicals.NOAA.gov).

 

INSERT UN 2448 Placard