MANSFIELD, Connecticut — A dramatic freight train derailment unfolded Thursday morning in Mansfield, Connecticut, sending multiple cars loaded with hazardous materials plunging into a nearby lake. The incident involved a New England Central Railroad (NECR) train carrying two locomotives and 41 cars, several of which veered off the tracks near Eagleville Lake along the Willimantic River.
Mansfield Fire Chief John Roche reported that four cars containing liquid propane derailed and fell into the water. Remarkably, no injuries were reported in the accident, which occurred around 9 a.m. local time. Local authorities swiftly issued a shelter-in-place advisory for residents within a half-mile radius of the site due to fears of a potential gas leak.
Officials emphasized the invisible nature of liquid propane, which lacks odor and cannot be detected by smell. Residents were urged to seal windows and remain indoors. Six cars carrying the flammable substance fully derailed, with four submerging in the lake. Other derailed cars held liquefied natural gas and food-grade grease.
The challenging terrain has complicated cleanup efforts. Fire Chief Roche noted that teams are working to access the site and bring in cranes, estimating several days for full recovery. A nearby road has been closed, and drivers are advised to use alternate routes.
Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has deployed state and local hazmat teams to monitor the situation. As a precaution, absorbent booms have been placed in the water to contain any potential spills. By afternoon, no leaks or pollution had been detected, but vigilance remains high.
This derailment highlights ongoing concerns about transporting hazardous materials by rail through populated areas. Investigations into the cause are underway, with safety experts calling for enhanced track inspections and spill prevention measures.