Chemical Transportation Incidents – Week of 8-15-26

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 – 556 (534 highway, 18 air, 4 rail, 0 water) 
• Serious incidents – 2 (2 Bulk release, 0 evacuation, 0 injury, 0 death, 0 major artery closed, 5 fire/explosion, 23 no release)  
• Largest container involved – 33,520-gal DOT 112J400W Railcar {Petroleum Gases, Liquefied or Liquefied Petroleum Gas} Residue. Liquid line valve partially open, cap not tool tight. 
• Largest amount spilled – 3,722-gal Tank Truck {Gasoline Includes Gasoline Mixed with Ethyl Alcohol, With Not More Than 10% Alcohol} Trailer was damaged in a single vehicle accident. 
• Total amount reported spilled in all incidents – 5644.9-gal 

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

Most Interesting Chemical: Pentamethylheptane: A colorless liquid. Insoluble in water and less dense than water. Vapors heavier than air. Contact may irritate skin, eyes and mucous membranes. Used as a solvent. (Source: CameoChemicals.NOAA.gov).  

Chemical Transportation Incidents – Week of 8-8-26

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 – 596 (561 highway, 28 air, 6 rail, 1 water) 
• Serious incidents – 4 (4 Bulk release, 0 evacuation, 0 injury, 0 death, 0 major artery closed, 2 fire/explosion, 30 no release)  
• Largest container involved – 33,920-gal DOT 117J100W Railcar {Petroleum Gases, Liquefied or Liquefied Petroleum Gas} B-End liquid valve had been left partially cracked open and the liquid line plug was found to be less than tool-tight. 
• Largest amount spilled – 2,087.3-gal ISO Tank {Carbon Dioxide, Refrigerated Liquid} Partially open valve. 
• Total amount reported spilled in all incidents – 6249.4-gal 

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

Most Interesting Chemical: Carbon Dioxide, Refrigerated Liquid: A colorless liquid. Relatively heavier than air and can asphyxiate by the displacement of air. Under prolonged exposure to heat or fire the container may rupture violently and rocket. Used as a refrigerant and in making carbonated beverages. Used to freeze food, to control chemical reactions and as a fire extinguishing agent. (Source: CameoChemicals.NOAA.gov).  

Chemical Transportation Incidents – Week of 8-1-26

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 – 597 (557 highway, 33 air, 7 rail, 0 water) 
• Serious incidents – 2 (1 Bulk release, 0 evacuation, 0 injury, 0 death, 0 major artery closed, 1 fire/explosion, 28 no release)  
• Largest container involved – 29,989-gal DOT 111A100W1 Railcar {Petroleum Distillates, N.O.S. or Petroleum Products, N.O.S.} deteriorated bottom outlet cap gasket and a BOV closure cap being less than tool-tight. 
• Largest amount spilled – 308-gal Railcar (CIMX 2134) {Environmentally Hazardous Substances, Liquid, N.O.S.} [UI] lose bolts tightened on 3 separate occasions. 
• Total amount reported spilled in all incidents – 1987.5-gal 

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

Most Interesting Chemical: Formaldehyde, Solutions (Formalin) (Corrosive): A colorless liquid with a pungent irritating odor. Contains 37-50% formaldehyde by mass and varying amounts of methanol, added to prevent precipitation of formaldehyde polymers (formaldehyde exists in solution as CH2(OH)2 and its polymers HO(CH2O)xH where x averages about three). Formalin free of methanol is also shipped but must be kept warm (about 30°C (86°F)) to prevent polymerization. Pure formaldehyde, a gas, is not handled commercially because it tends to polymerize exothermally and may ignite. Vapor from formalin solution is flammable and an explosion hazard when exposed to flame or heat. Skin and eye irritant. Confirmed carcinogen. (Source: CameoChemicals.NOAA.gov).