Train carrying ethanol derails in Willimantic

For the second time in about eight months, a train transporting toxic chemicals has derailed along the Providence & Worcester Railroad Co. line within Windham’s borders.

It is the third derailment on the P&W lines this year.

Windham Mayor Ernest Eldridge said this morning he is concerned the same company was involved in three derailments in the last eight months, including two in Windham.

“It seems like it’s their tracks and their tracks only that are having a problem,” he said. He added that this morning’s derailment occurred at a point where the track is flat, straight and at ground level.

Town Manager Neal Beets said, “It’s of great concern to us and I hope it’s of great concern to Providence & Worcester.”

There were no injuries reported in the accident and Beats said the conductor stayed with the train.

The train itself apparently isn’t owned by Providence & Worcester Railroad, but as of this morning, local, state and emergency officials could not confirm what company does own it.

The train, carrying ethanol, derailed in downtown Willimantic area. The Willimantic Fire Department received a call around 9:20 a.m. reporting the incident near the Thread City Crossing (Frog Bridge.)

Beets said the principal area of the derailment was between Main and Church streets, which were still open late this morning, but were congested due to all the emergency vehicles.

Beets said local and state officials were still assessing the situation late this morning, including the number of cars derailed.

Fire officials at the scene said two cars were on their side and four more had derailed, and the state Department of Environmental Protection said the cars are carrying ethanol.

Ethanol, which can be absorbed through the skin, is a flammable substance that can also cause eye, liver and heart problems and is potentially lethal.

It was the same substance carried in three cars that derailed in Windham in March.

DEP spokesman Dennis Schain said there did not appear to be any leaks from the cars, which can carry as many as 30,000 gallons each, but Beets said the town was ready to evacuate three nearby buildings, if necessary.

While this train was not operated by the Providence & Worcester Railroad, it is the third time since March a train has derailed along the company’s tracks in eastern Connecticut.

Marie Angelini, a spokesman for the Providence & Worcester Railroad, could not immediately be reached for comment, but an employee said Angelini was aware of the incident.

Providence & Worcester Railroad did own the three cars that derailed in March between Route 203 and Plains Road near Windham Sand & Stone.

In this instance, Providence & Worcester Railroad agreed to pay the $113,441.52 bill for emergency services after the town said it was considering legal action to recover expenses associated with the incident.

In May, four cars on another Providence & Worcester Railroad train derailed in Lisbon and Gov. M. Jodi Rell asked responding crews to track expenses so they could submit a bill.

Posted Nov. 9, 2010