Mansfield, February 6: A freight train derailed in Mansfield, Connecticut, today. The New England Central Railroad (NECR) train consisted of two engines and 41 cars, several of which went off the tracks.
Mansfield Fire Chief John Roche reported that four cars carrying liquid propane fell into the water. Fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries.
Local officials stated that by midday, there were no reports of leaks or pollution. The accident occurred around 9 a.m. local time, leading to a shelter-in-place advisory for nearby residents.
According to a statement from the Mansfield government, residents within a half-mile radius were ordered to stay indoors due to the potential risk of hazardous gas leaks.
Officials confirmed that six rail cars transporting liquid propane completely derailed, with four of them landing in the water.
Residents were urged to keep windows closed and remain indoors, as liquid propane is odorless and cannot be detected by smell.
Chief Roche noted that other derailed cars contained liquefied natural gas and food-grade grease.
The NECR indicated that the derailment occurred near Eagleville Lake, along the Willimantic River.
Roche mentioned that cleanup efforts may take several days due to the challenging location, with teams working to access the site and bring in cranes.
A nearby road has been closed, and authorities advised the public to avoid the area and seek alternative routes.
The state’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection stated that state and local teams are monitoring the situation and have deployed hazmat booms to contain any hazardous materials in the water.