diff --git a/lib/WebSocket.js b/lib/WebSocket.js
index 96955013b..0d239bd8e 100644
--- a/lib/WebSocket.js
+++ b/lib/WebSocket.js
@@ -478,6 +478,9 @@ function establishConnection(ReceiverClass, SenderClass, socket, upgradeHead) {
   // socket cleanup handlers
   socket.on('end', cleanupWebsocketResources.bind(this));
   socket.on('close', cleanupWebsocketResources.bind(this));
+  socket.on('error', function() {
+    try { socket.destroy(); } catch (e) {}
+  });
 
   // ensure that the upgradeHead is added to the receiver
   function firstHandler(data) {