Freight Train Carrying Liquid Propane Derails in Connecticut
A freight train derailed in Connecticut on Thursday, resulting in several cars, including four carrying liquid propane, ending up in the water. The incident occurred around 9 a.m. in Mansfield, a rural town in the eastern part of the state, near Eagleville Lake and the Willimantic River. Mansfield Fire Chief John Roache reported that out of the train's 41 cars, several detached and derailed.
Details of the Derailment and Response
Four of the derailed cars were transporting liquid propane, a highly flammable substance, and landed in the water. Additionally, two other cars carrying food-grade grease ended up on the banks. One of the grease cars sustained damage, leaking approximately 2,000 gallons (7,500 liters) of animal fat. However, officials have confirmed that the leak has been contained, with no evidence of the grease entering the waterway.
No injuries have been reported, and the cause of the derailment is currently under investigation. The train was en route from Palmer, Massachusetts, to Willimantic, Connecticut, at the time of the incident.
Safety Measures and Environmental Impact
In response to the derailment, town officials issued a shelter-in-place order for residents living within half a mile (0.8 kilometers) of the site. This order remained in effect late Thursday, with officials emphasizing that no evacuations were necessary. Residents were urged to stay indoors due to the odorless nature of liquid propane, which would not be immediately detectable by smell.
The derailment also led to the closure of a nearby road and prompted considerations for alternative bus routes for school dismissal. Mansfield Town Manager Ryan Aylesworth stated that there does not appear to be any serious environmental damage from the incident. State and local hazardous materials teams were actively monitoring for leaks and had placed hazmat booms in the water as a precautionary measure.
Recovery Efforts and Challenges
Tom Ciuba, a spokesperson for New England Central Railroad, indicated that specialized equipment was expected to arrive Thursday evening to assist in rerailing the affected cars. However, Fire Chief Roache noted that the recovery process could take several days due to the remote location of the derailment and the challenging, frigid conditions for responders.
"It's not going to be a today operation," Roache explained. "They're going to have to get some cranes in there. It's going to take some time." Despite the complexities, officials remain optimistic about managing the situation effectively, with Aylesworth remarking, "Fortunately, it seems under control."
