Executive Summary
- A train carrying propane and other materials derailed in Mansfield, CT, sending some cars into the Willimantic River.
- Shelter-in-place orders were issued for residents within a half-mile radius of the site.
- No injuries were reported, and officials confirmed there was no active propane leak.
- Route 32 was closed, impacting travel near the University of Connecticut.
A freight train carrying propane and other flammable materials derailed Thursday morning in Mansfield, eastern Connecticut, prompting authorities to issue a shelter-in-place order for residents in the immediate vicinity. The incident occurred shortly before 9:30 a.m. ET near Route 32, also known as Stafford Road, where several rail cars detached from the train at the Willimantic River.
According to town officials, some of the derailed cars plunged into the river, raising concerns regarding potential hazardous material contamination. In addition to propane, the train was transporting lumber, grain, and grease. While authorities confirmed there was no active propane leak at the time of the initial assessment, the volatile nature of the cargo required immediate precautions as crews prepared to upright the overturned cars.
The Connecticut Division of Emergency Management & Homeland Security issued shelter-in-place orders for all structures within a half-mile radius of 1090 Stafford Road. Hazmat teams and first responders arrived on site to evaluate the situation and secure the perimeter. The Mashantucket Pequot Firefighters (IAFF Local 4746) confirmed that no injuries were reported following the incident.
Connecticut State Police closed Route 32 between Route 44 and North Eagleville Road to facilitate emergency operations. The University of Connecticut, located nearby, advised students traveling to the Storrs and Depot campuses to seek alternate travel routes due to the significant road closures surrounding the derailment site.
Environmental Safety and Recovery Operations
The derailment of rolling stock carrying flammable and hazardous materials into a waterway presents complex challenges for recovery teams. The immediate priority for environmental agencies and transportation safety investigators involves the stabilization of the site to prevent containment breaches during the extraction process. This incident highlights the inherent risks associated with transporting volatile compounds through residential and ecological corridors, likely prompting a review of rail safety protocols and infrastructure integrity along the Willimantic River line.
