Connecticut public safety officials say no one was hurt and there are no evacuations after part of a 43-car freight train derailed in Mansfield on Thursday morning. A precautionary shelter-in-place order is in effect for homes within a half-mile of the site.
13 cars detached, with 10 of those derailing, including 6 carrying liquid propane, with some of the cars landing in the Willimantic River, according to Mansfield Fire Chief John Roache. No leak from the propane tankers is reported, but hazardous materials teams are on scene checking for potential breaches.
The state Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) says the shelter-in-place order covers homes within a half-mile of 1090 Stafford Rd. in Mansfield. State Rte. 32 is closed between Rte. 44 and Rte. 275. UConn says local detours could impact traffic near the Storrs campus.
None of the train cars were reported to be leaking as of Thursday evening. About 2,500 gallons of cooking grease leaked earlier. DESPP says that leak has since been contained.
Still, as of a 4:15 pm press conference, Roache says the shelter-in-place will remain in effect for now:
"The thought was until we get... recovery crews on site, and they can assess the stability of the cars, we're just doing that (the shelter-in-place) in an abundance of precaution... Keeping the windows closed and having kind of an extra sense of alertness to what's going on."
The New England Central Railroad train derailed just after 9 am on Thursday. Other cars are carrying lumber and grain. A conductor and engineer were on board, but were uninjured.
The Town of Mansfield has declared a State of Emergency to allow for response and cleanup, which will take a few days, according to DESPP. Cranes and other heavy equipment are on route to the scene.
Town Manager Ryan Aylesworth said, “Certainly, a potential hazardous waste spill is of serious concern. Fortunately, right now, it appears the situation is under control.”