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. 6, 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 near the Willimantic River and Eagleville Lake, with six propane-carrying cars fully derailed and four ending up in the water. Officials have advised residents within a half-mile radius to shelter in place as a precaution, though no leaks have been detected so far.

Why it matters

Train derailments involving hazardous materials can pose serious risks to public safety and the environment. This incident has prompted an emergency response and cleanup effort to mitigate any potential leaks or spills, highlighting the importance of rail safety regulations and emergency preparedness.

The details

The derailment occurred shortly after 9 a.m. on the tracks operated by the New England Central Railroad (NECR). In addition to the six propane cars, other derailed cars were carrying liquefied natural gas and cooking grease. Air monitoring has not detected any flammable leaks so far, but crews are working to secure the railcars and prevent any potential releases.

  • The derailment occurred shortly after 9 a.m. on Thursday, February 6, 2026.
  • Residents within a half-mile radius have been advised to shelter in place since the incident.

The players

New England Central Railroad (NECR)

The railroad company that operates the tracks where the derailment occurred.

John Roache

Mansfield Fire Chief, who provided updates on the incident and response efforts.

Richard Scalora

Supervising emergency response coordinator with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, overseeing the railcar assessment and cleanup.

Ryan Aylesworth

Mansfield Town Manager, who declared a local emergency in response to the derailment.

Ned Lamont

The Governor of Connecticut, who is monitoring the situation and coordinating the state's emergency response.

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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 (mycentraloregon.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 (mycentraloregon.com)

What’s next

The cleanup and recovery efforts are expected to take several days, as crews work to secure the derailed railcars and prevent any potential leaks or spills. Officials will continue monitoring the situation and providing updates to the public.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of robust rail safety regulations and emergency preparedness to protect communities from the risks posed by the transportation of hazardous materials. The coordinated response by local and state authorities demonstrates their commitment to safeguarding public health and the environment in the face of such incidents.