More than a dozen train cars carrying hazardous materials derailed in Mansfield on Thursday morning, prompting a shelter in place for residents in the area after some cars ended up in a river.
Emergency crews responded to the train derailment in the area of Route 32 at 9:22 a.m. and found that multiple cars came into contact with the Willimantic River, according to Connecticut State Police, Mansfield town officials and the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.
DEEP officials said 14 train cars that were carrying liquified natural gas derailed. At least five of them ended up in the river, officials said.
No injuries were reported.
Town officials called for all residents within ½ a mile of the derailment to shelter in place. Despite media reports indicating an evacuation would be ordered, officials in the late morning hours said no such order had been issued.
“There is concern for hazardous material contamination, but that has not yet been confirmed,” Mansfield town officials wrote in a statement. “No evacuations are ordered at this time, but please watch for updates as authorities on the scene evaluate the situation.”
The incident left Route 32 closed in both directions between Route 275 and Route 44, according to the state Department of Transportation.
State police said the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection’s Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security responded to the scene.