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. Approximately 14 railcars went off the tracks, with six propane-carrying cars 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 and recovery efforts are expected to take several days due to the remote location.

Why it matters

Train derailments involving hazardous materials can pose serious risks to public safety and the environment, especially when they occur near bodies of water. This incident highlights the importance of emergency preparedness and the need for robust safety protocols to mitigate the potential consequences of such events.

The details

The derailment occurred shortly after 9 a.m. along the Willimantic River, near Eagleville Lake. In addition to the six propane-carrying railcars that went off the tracks, other derailed cars were carrying liquified natural gas and cooking grease. Air monitoring has not detected any flammable leaks so far, but emergency response teams are working to secure the site and prevent any potential spills.

  • The derailment occurred shortly after 9 a.m. on February 5, 2026.
  • Authorities issued a shelter-in-place advisory for residents within a half-mile of the area on the same day.

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 hazardous releases occur.

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 (ktlo.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 (ktlo.com)

What’s next

The cleanup and recovery efforts are expected to take several days, as crews work to gain access to the remote site and bring in cranes to remove the derailed railcars.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the importance of robust emergency response protocols and coordination between local, state, and federal agencies to effectively manage the risks associated with the transportation of hazardous materials. The successful containment of the situation so far is a testament to the preparedness and diligence of the first responders and environmental teams involved.