A freight train hauling flammable liquids derailed in Mansfield, Connecticut, Thursday, hurling cars into Eagleville Lake and sparking hazmat fears along the Willimantic River. New England Central Railroad’s train—two engines pulling 41 cars—jumped tracks at 9 a.m., with multiple units affected.
Liquid propane filled six derailed cars, four sinking into water; others carried liquefied natural gas and grease. Fire Chief John Roche declared no injuries but ordered shelter-in-place within half a mile, warning of propane’s odorless peril—seal homes tight.
Noon updates showed no spills or pollution, thanks to DEEP’s swift booms in the lake and vigilant teams. Local roads closed, traffic diverted amid the chaos. The awkward crash site stalls crews, who crane in gear for what Roche calls a days-long fix.
America’s rail network strains under hazmat loads, and this near-miss amplifies calls for reform. From track maintenance to emergency drills, gaps persist. Investigators circle the cause as locals exhale, but the incident serves as stark reminder: one derailment from disaster.