MANSFIELD, Conn. — A freight train carrying hazardous materials derailed Thursday in the town of Mansfield, Connecticut, sending several railcars into a nearby river and prompting local officials to issue a precautionary shelter-in-place order.
Mansfield Fire Chief John Roache said six railcars carrying liquid propane left the tracks, with four of them overturning into the water. No injuries were reported, and authorities said that as of midday there were no signs of leaks or environmental contamination.
Local officials ordered residents within a half-mile radius of the derailment site to remain indoors as a precaution against a potential hazardous gas release. Residents were advised to keep windows closed, as liquid propane is odorless and would not be immediately detectable by smell.
In addition to the propane cars, other derailed railcars were carrying liquefied natural gas and food-grade grease, Roache said.
The derailment occurred along the Willimantic River near Eagleville Lake, according to officials. Emergency crews closed a nearby road and urged the public to avoid the area and use alternate routes.
State and local hazardous materials teams were deployed to the scene and are closely monitoring for any leaks. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection said hazmat containment booms were placed in the water as a precautionary measure.
Cleanup operations are expected to take several days due to the difficult terrain and limited access to the site. Crews are working to reach the derailed cars and bring in heavy equipment, including cranes, to assist with recovery efforts.
The cause of the derailment remains under investigation. (Source: IANS)
