Chemical Incident Reporting – Week of 5-9-26

NOTE: See here for series background.

Tucson, AZ – 5-7-26 

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

There was a traffic accident that resulted in a 100-gal muriatic acid (pool chemical) spill. A shelter-in-place order was put into place for the immediate area, and the road was closed while the spill was cleaned up. No injuries were reported. 

Not CSB reportable, transportation related event. 

Hopewell, VA – 5-9-26  

Local News Report: Here and here. 

There were neighborhood complaints of an ammonia odor from a chemical plant. A shelter-in-place order was issued. A brief vapor release was confirmed at the facility. 

Not CSB reportable. 

Tulsa, OK – 5-11-26  

Local News Report: Here, here, and here. 

There was a large fire at an oil refinery. One worker was transported to local hospitals for smoke inhalation issues. Several vehicles were destroyed on site.  

Possible CSB reportable. 

Cleveland, TN – 5-14-26  

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

There was a lithium-ion battery explosion at a metals manufacturing facility that resulted in powdered titanium alloy exposure concerns. Two people were transported to local hospitals for burns from the explosion. 

Possible CSB reportable. 

Interesting point here. Lithium battery fires emit dangerous chemicals so such fires could count as a CSB reportable (40 CFR Part 1604) incident if the other requirements (fixed site, severe injuries, deaths, or damages) are met. For this incident, the titanium powder issue is just an added chemical hazard.