Chemical Transportation Incidents – Week of 4-18-26

 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 – 541 (503 highway, 29 air, 9 rail, 0 water) 

• Serious incidents – 4 (4 Bulk release, 0 evacuation, 0 injury, 0 death, 0 major artery closed, 2 fire/explosion, 46 no release)  

• Largest container involved – 27,400-gal DOT 111A100W5 Railcar {Hydrochloric Acid} PRD venting. 

• Largest amount spilled – 275-gal Metal Drums {Flammable Liquids, N.O.S.} Load not blocked and braced, containers crushed. 

• Total amount reported spilled in all incidents – 3305.7-gal 

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

Most Interesting Chemical: Ammonia Anhydrous: A clear colorless gas with a strong odor. Shipped as a liquid under its own vapor pressure. Density (liquid) 6 lb / gal. Contact with the unconfined liquid can cause frostbite. Gas generally regarded as nonflammable but does burn within certain vapor concentration limits and with strong ignition. Fire hazard increases in the presence of oil or other combustible materials. Although gas is lighter than air, vapors from a leak initially hug the ground. Prolonged exposure of containers to fire or heat may cause violent rupturing and rocketing. Long-term inhalation of low concentrations of the vapors or short-term inhalation of high concentrations has adverse health effects. Used as a fertilizer, as a refrigerant, and in the manufacture of other chemicals. (Source: CameoChemicals.NOAA.gov).