Transportation Chemical Incidents – Week of 10-4-25

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 – 480 (445 highway, 28 air, 7 rail, 0 water)

• Serious incidents – 5 (2 Bulk release, 4 evacuation, 0 injury, 0 death, 0 major artery closed, 1 fire/explosion, 25 no release)

• Largest container involved – 31,640-gal DOT 117R100W Railcar {Alcohols, N.O.S.} Damaged in derailment.

• Largest amount spilled – 15,000-gal DOT 117R100W Railcar {Alcohols, N.O.S.} BOV sheared off in derailment, car laying on its side. Note: identical, but separate reports filed on four rail cars that were involved in derailment.

• Total amount reported spilled in all incidents – 17,049.8-gal

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

Most Interesting Chemical: Butyl Acetates: A clear colorless liquid with a fruity odor. Flash point 72 - 88°F. Density 7.4 lb / gal (less than water). Hence floats on water. Vapors heavier than air. BUTYL ACETATE is an ester. Esters react with acids to liberate heat along with alcohols and acids. Strong oxidizing acids may cause a vigorous reaction that is sufficiently exothermic to ignite the reaction products. Heat is also generated by the interaction of esters with caustic solutions. Flammable hydrogen is generated by mixing esters with alkali metals and hydrides. Attacks many plastics. (Source: CameoChemicals.NOAA.gov).