Chemical Transportation Incidents – Week of 3-21-26

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 – 502 (474 highway, 27 air, 1 rail, 0 water) 

• Serious incidents – 4 (3 Bulk release, 0 evacuation, 1 injury, 0 death, 1 major artery closed, 4 fire/explosion, 50 no release)  

• Largest container involved – 21,030-gal DOT 111A100W6 Railcar {Acetic Acid Solution, Not Less Than 50 Percent But Not More Than 80 Percent Acid, By Mass} Heater coil pipe leaking. 

• Largest amount spilled – 2,500-gal Tank Truck {Nitrogen, Refrigerated Liquid (Cryogenic Liquid)} Overpressure venting in roll-over truck accident. 

• Total amount reported spilled in all incidents – 4174.7-gal 

NOTE: Links above are to Form 5800.1 for the described incidents. No link available for tank truck incident. 

Most Interesting Chemical: 1,2-Dimethoxyethane: A liquid with a sharp odor. Less dense than water. Flash point 34°F. Mildly toxic by ingestion and inhalation. Severely irritates skin and eyes. Vapors heavier than air. Used to make other chemicals. (Source: CameoChemicals.NOAA.gov).