Connecticut derailment: Freight train derails, sending cars carrying liquid propane into river

"A freight train derailed Thursday in Connecticut, sending cars carrying flammable liquid propane into the water, though officials say they don't appear to be leaking. Local and state officials said the derailment happened around 9 a.m. in Mansfield, near where Eagleville Lake meets the Willimantic River. Mansfield Fire Chief John Roache said in an afternoon briefing that a number of the train's 41 cars detached and derailed."

"Four carrying liquid propane ended up in the water, while two others carrying food grade grease landed on the banks. One of the grease cars sustained damage and leaked about 2,000 gallons (7,500 liters) of the animal fat, according to Roache. The leak has since been contained and there's no evidence the grease entered the water. Roache added that no injuries were reported and the cause of the derailment remains under investigation. The train had been heading south from Palmer, Massachusetts, to Willimantic."

"Town officials said late Thursday that a shelter-in-place order issued hours earlier for those living within half a mile (.8 kilometers) of the derailment would remain in effect, though they stressed no evacuations have been ordered. They continued to urge residents to remain indoors as the liquid propane the train was carrying is odorless and wouldn't be immediately detected by smell. The derailment also prompted the town to close a nearby road and consider alternative bus routes for school dismissal. Mansfield Town Manager Ryan Aylesworth said there doesn't appear to be any serious environmental damage from the derailment."

A freight train derailed around 9 a.m. in Mansfield, Connecticut, near where Eagleville Lake meets the Willimantic River. A number of the train's 41 cars detached and derailed; four cars carrying liquid propane ended up in the water and two cars carrying food-grade grease landed on the banks. One grease car leaked about 2,000 gallons of animal fat; the leak has been contained with no evidence the grease entered the water. No injuries were reported. Officials issued a shelter-in-place within half a mile and urged residents to stay indoors because propane is odorless. Hazmat teams monitored for leaks and deployed booms.

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