Freight Train Derails in Connecticut, Prompting Shelter-in-Place

Six railcars carrying liquid propane went off the tracks near a body of water, raising concerns about potential leaks.

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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A freight train carrying flammable liquids, including liquid propane, derailed in Mansfield, Connecticut, on Thursday morning. Six railcars went fully off the tracks, with four ending up in a nearby body of water. Authorities have issued a shelter-in-place advisory for residents within a half-mile of the area as a precaution, though no leaks have been detected so far. The cleanup effort is expected to take several days due to the remote location of the incident.

Why it matters

Train derailments involving hazardous materials can pose significant risks to public safety and the environment. This incident highlights the importance of emergency preparedness and the need for robust safety protocols when transporting dangerous goods by rail.

The details

Approximately 14 railcars of a New England Central Railroad (NECR) train went off the tracks shortly after 9 a.m. in Mansfield, near the Willimantic River and Eagleville Lake. Six railcars carrying liquid propane went fully off the track, with four ending up in the water. Other derailed cars were carrying liquified natural gas and cooking grease. Air monitoring has not detected any flammable leaks, but emergency response crews are working to secure the site and prevent any potential spills.

  • The derailment occurred on Thursday, February 6, 2026, shortly after 9 a.m.

The players

New England Central Railroad (NECR)

The railroad company that owns the train involved in the derailment.

John Roache

Mansfield Fire Chief, who provided updates on the incident during a press briefing.

Richard Scalora

Supervising emergency response coordinator with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, who is working to ensure no releases occur from the derailed railcars.

Ryan Aylesworth

Mansfield Town Manager, who plans to issue an emergency declaration in response to the incident.

Ned Lamont

Governor of Connecticut, who is monitoring the situation and coordinating with state emergency management and environmental teams.

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What they’re saying

“We're going to continue in this position until all the rail cars are back on their wheels and safely removed from the area.”

— Richard Scalora, Supervising emergency response coordinator, Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (wbal.com)

“Fortunately, right now, it appears that the situation is under control and the public health and safety is being maintained.”

— Ryan Aylesworth, Mansfield Town Manager (wbal.com)

What’s next

The cleanup effort is expected to take several days, as crews work to gain access to the remote site and bring in cranes to remove the derailed railcars. Authorities will continue to monitor the situation and ensure no hazardous materials are released into the environment.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the importance of robust safety protocols and emergency preparedness when transporting hazardous materials by rail. The quick response and ongoing efforts by local and state authorities to secure the site and protect public health demonstrate the critical role of effective emergency management in mitigating the risks associated with such incidents.