A freight train derailment involving hazardous materials prompted emergency action in Mansfield, Connecticut. Here is the latest official update from local and state authorities.
Mansfield said this morning (February 7, 2026) that the shelter-in-place order that was put in effect after a New England Central train derailed on Thursday had been rescinded.
Shelter-in-Place Order Lifted in Mansfield
According to a town website update, State Route 32 is still closed for one mile between State Route 275 and U.S. Route 44.
The Connecticut Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security said Saturday night that all derailed railcars were out of the Willimantic River.
🚆 Connecticut Train Derailment Overview
- Date: February 6, 2026
- Location: Mansfield, Connecticut
- Rail Operator: New England Central
- Total Cars Derailed: 13
- Hazardous Material: Liquid propane (LPG)
- Status: Shelter-in-place lifted
Hazardous Materials and River Cleanup
Six of the 13 vehicles carrying liquid propane were among those that derailed. (According to some publications, such as the DEMHS study, the vehicles were transporting liquefied petroleum gas. One particular kind of LPG is propane.)
Although there had been no prior reports of injuries, the DEMHS now reports that one emergency responder was slightly hurt on Thursday.
⚠️ Emergency Response & Investigation
- Responder Injury: One minor injury reported
- River Status: All railcars removed
- Road Closure: Route 32 closed for one mile
- Agencies Involved: DEMHS, FRA
- Rail Owner: Genesee & Wyoming
- Focus: Cause of derailment under review
Ongoing Federal and Rail Company Probe
The New England Central’s owner, Genesee & Wyoming, and the Federal Railroad Administration are looking into what caused the disaster.
Frequently Asked Question
1. What led to Mansfield, Connecticut’s shelter-in-place order?
With multiple cars carrying hazardous commodities, a New England Central freight train derailed, raising fears about local residents’ safety and forcing the issuance of a shelter-in-place order.
2. Is the shelter-in-place directive no longer in effect?
Indeed, after officials deemed the region secure, the municipality of Mansfield removed the shelter-in-place order early on February 7, 2026.
3. What substances contributed to the derailment?
Six railcars carrying liquid propane were among the thirteen that derailed. Propane is one form of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which is what certain organizations called the substance.
4. Did anyone report any injuries?
At first, there were no recorded injuries. One emergency responder was subsequently verified to have sustained minor injuries by the Connecticut Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security.
5. Is the investigation into the derailment still ongoing?
Indeed, the New England Central railroad’s owner, Genesee & Wyoming, is looking into what caused the derailment, as is the Federal Railroad Administration.
Conclusion
In the wake of the Connecticut train catastrophe, Mansfield residents have taken a big step toward normalcy with the lifting of the shelter-in-place order.
Road closures are still in place, and investigations are still underway, even though all derailed railcars have been safely recovered from the Willimantic River and no serious injuries have been reported. To maintain public safety and identify the incident’s cause, authorities are still keeping an eye on the situation.
Disclaimer: This article is based on official statements available at the time of publication and may be updated as authorities release new information.
