Chemical Incident Reporting – Week of 2-28-26

NOTE: See here for series background.

Belle Rose, LA – 2-23-26

Local News Report: Here, here, here, and here.

There was a catastrophic equipment failure during the pressure test of a brine well. One employee was killed; two others were airlifted to a hospital.

CSB reportable. An overpressure incident is considered to be a release of a hazardous gas because a severe injury or death resulted from the release.

Neshoba, PA – 3-3-26

Local News Report: Here.

There was a single vehicle accident involving a tractor-trailer, with the trailer overturning and spilling ammonium nitrate fertilizer. No injuries were reported.

Not CSB reportable, transportation related.

Swedesboro, NJ– 3-4-26

Local News Report: Here, here, here, and here.

There was an apparent propane explosion at a food processing facility. Four employees were hospitalized in critical condition. There was extensive damage to the facility and neighboring properties. Building damage was reported as far as a mile away from the incident.

Note: Propane and butane are used to extract cocoa butter from cocoa beans, a process that may have been at use in this facility.

CSB reportable.

Ft Mill, SC – 3-5-26

Local News Report: Here, here, here, and here (this is for the earlier spill).

There was a hydrofluoric acid spill at a manufacturing facility. No injuries were reported. An adjacent elementary school canceled classes due to the spill.

NOTE: This was the second hazardous materials spill reported at the facility this week. The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services ordered the facility to cease operations until an inspection of the facilities Risk Management Plan could be completed by the State agency and the US EPA.

Not CSB reportable.