A survey of accidents occurring during the transport of hazardous substances by road and rail

• Published in: Journal of hazardous materials Vol. 133; no. 1; pp. 1 - 7
• Main Authors: Oggero, A., Darbra, R.M., Muñoz, M., Planas, E., Casal, J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 20.05.2006; Elsevier
• Subjects: Accidents - statistics & numerical data; Applied sciences; Data Collection; Exact sciences and technology; Hazardous Substances; Historical analysis; Humans; Land transportation; Major accidents; Motor Vehicles; Pollution; Population Dynamics; Rail transportation; Railroads; Road transportation; Time Factors; Road transportation; Hazardous substances; Rail transportation; Historical analysis; Major accidents; Land transportation; Clouds; Explosions; Motor vehicle; Transport process; Accident; Rail; Fire; Road traffic
• ISSN: 0304-3894; 1873-3336
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2005.05.053

A study of 1932 accidents that occurred during the transport of hazardous substances by road and rail from the beginning of the 20th century to July 2004 was carried out. The results obtained show an increase in the frequency of accidents over time. More than half of the accidents happened on roads (63%). The most frequent accidents were releases (78%), followed by fires (28%), explosions (14%) and gas clouds (6%). The various causes of the accidents, the type of substance involved and the consequences for the population (number of people killed, injured or evacuated) were also analysed. Among the diverse measures taken to improve this situation, the training of professional people involved in transportation seems to be of major importance.