Transportation Chemical Incidents – Week of 10-18-25

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 – 460 (418 highway, 40 air, 2 rail, 0 water)

• Serious incidents – 4 (3 Bulk release, 1 evacuation, 0 injury, 0 death, 0 major artery closed, 0 fire/explosion, 42 no release)

• Largest container involved – 29,050-gal DOT 117R100W Railcar {Elevated Temperature Liquid, N.O.S., at or Above 100 C and Below Its Flash Point (Including Molten Metals, Molten Salts, Etc.)} Air valve plug less than tool tight and valve cracked open.

• Largest amount spilled – 1,200-gal DOT 406 Trailer {Hydrocarbons, Liquid, N.O.S.} Driver at fault traffic accident.

• Total amount reported spilled in all incidents – 2651.3-gal

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

Most Interesting Chemical: Chloropicrin: A slightly oily colorless to yellow liquid with a strong irritating odor. Noncombustible. Denser than water. Vapors are poisonous by inhalation and irritate eyes, nose, and throat. Behavior in Fire: Compound forms a powerful tear gas when heated. Heated material may detonate under fire conditions. (Source: CameoChemicals.NOAA.gov).