Chemical Transportation Incidents – Week of 6-6-26

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 – 566 (523 highway, 37 air, 6 rail, 0 water) 

• Serious incidents – 7 (3 Bulk release, 1 evacuation, 2 injury, 0 death, 0 major artery closed, 5 fire/explosion, 54 no release)  

• Largest container involved – 27,960-gal Railcar {Acetone} 3 of 6 manway bolts not tool tight 

• Largest amount spilled – 500-gal Truck {Combustible Liquid, N.O.S.}  Tank overloaded, spilled during filling. 

• Total amount reported spilled in all incidents – 2315.9-gal 

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

Most Interesting Chemical: Phosphorus Pentasulfide, Free from Yellow and White Phosphorus: A greenish yellow solid with an odor of rotten eggs that may paralyze the sense of smell at hazardous concentrations in air. Density 2.04 g / cm3. It is used for making lube oil additives, insecticides, flotation agents, safety matches, blown asphalt, and other products and chemicals. (Source: CameoChemicals.NOAA.gov).