Executive Summary
- Authorities lifted the shelter-in-place order in Mansfield, Conn., on Saturday morning.
- State Route 32 remains closed between U.S. Route 44 and State Route 275 for cleanup.
- Crews removed all derailed cars, including six carrying propane, from the Willimantic River.
- One emergency responder suffered minor injuries during the initial response.
Authorities in Mansfield, Connecticut, lifted a shelter-in-place order on Saturday morning, signaling a de-escalation of the emergency response following a New England Central train derailment that occurred on Thursday. According to an announcement on the town’s official website, the safety directive was rescinded on February 7, 2026, allowing residents to resume normal activities.
Despite the lifting of the shelter order, transportation officials confirmed that State Route 32 remains closed to traffic for a one-mile stretch between U.S. Route 44 and State Route 275. This closure is necessary to facilitate ongoing site operations and equipment movement. In a Friday evening update, the Connecticut Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS) reported that all derailed railcars had been successfully extracted from the Willimantic River.
Investigators noted that a total of 13 cars were involved in the derailment, six of which were carrying liquid propane or liquefied petroleum gas. While initial assessments suggested there were no injuries, the DEMHS has since clarified that one emergency responder sustained minor injuries during the response efforts on Thursday. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and Genesee & Wyoming, the owner of the New England Central line, are currently conducting a formal investigation to determine the root cause of the accident.
Operational Safety & Investigation Outlook
The revocation of the shelter-in-place order indicates that the immediate threat of hazardous material exposure has been neutralized, allowing emergency services to transition from containment to recovery. The involvement of the Federal Railroad Administration suggests a rigorous inquiry into track integrity and mechanical compliance is underway. As remediation crews continue their work, the primary focus for local officials will likely remain on environmental monitoring of the Willimantic River and ensuring the structural safety of the rail line before service is restored.
