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

"MANSFIELD, Conn. (AP) - 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. The rural town in the eastern part of the state is home to the University of Connecticut."

"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."

"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."

A freight train derailed around 9 a.m. in Mansfield, Connecticut, near where Eagleville Lake meets the Willimantic River. Several of the train's 41 cars detached and derailed, with four propane cars entering the water and two grease cars landing on the banks. One grease car leaked approximately 2,000 gallons of animal fat; that leak has been contained and there is no evidence the grease entered the water. Officials reported no injuries, issued a shelter-in-place within a half-mile, and said no evacuations were ordered. Hazardous materials teams are monitoring for leaks and the cause remains under investigation.

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