Freight Short Lines & Regionals Shelter-in-place order lifted at site of Connecticut derailment

Shelter-in-place order lifted at site of Connecticut derailment

By Trains Staff | February 7, 2026

Derailed cars removed from Willimantic River

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Logo of the New England Central RailroadMANSFIELD, Conn. — The town of Mansfield has lifted the shelter-in-place order enacted following Thursday’s derailment of a New England Central train, the town announced this morning (Feb. 7, 2026).

State Route 32 remains closed for a 1-mile stretch between U.S. Route 44 and State Route 275, according to an update on the town website.

In a Friday evening update, the Connecticut Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security said all derailed railcars had been removed from the Willimantic River. A total of 13 cars derailed, including six carrying liquid propane. (Some reports, including that of the DEMHS, indicate the cars were carrying liquefied petroleum gas. Propane is a specific type of LPG.)

While no injuries had previously been reported, the DEMHS now says one emergency responder suffered minor injuries on Thursday.

The Federal Railroad Administration and Genesee & Wyoming, owner of the New England Central, are investigating the cause of the derailment.

— To report news or errors, contact trainsnewswire@firecrown.com.

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