One person was killed and at least 16 more were injured after an NJ Transit light rail train struck a tree on the tracks Monday morning in South Jersey.
The NJ Transit River Line was traveling south from Trenton when it collided with a tree lying across the tracks, News 12 New Jersey reported.
The train operator was killed in the wreck, and at least 16 more people suffered mostly minor injuries, NJ Transit officials said. The deceased operator has not been publicly identified.
There were 36 passengers on board the train. The other 20 were placed on buses to continue their travels, according to WABC.
NJ Transit River Line service was shut down in both directions between Trenton and Florence stations after the accident. The railroad said alternate bus service was being provided to commuters.
Authorities are investigating how the tree ended up on the tracks and why it went unnoticed prior to Monday morning’s crash.
“It was a gigantic tree on the track,” passenger Norris Young told Philadelphia NBC affiliate WCAU. “I don’t know if it fell on the track or if it was just laying on the track.”
The River Line was plagued by numerous issues throughout the summer, with on-time performance dropping below 75%. However, the trains were on time 92% of the time in September, according to NJ Transit data.
New Jersey state senator Troy Singleton has led a public push to improve River Line service and is hosting a public meeting with NJ Transit CEO Kevin Corbett and other railroad leaders on Oct. 22 in Palmyra.
“I have been briefed on an accident on the [River Line] earlier today in which the light rail struck a tree on the tracks, leading to the death of the train operator and injuring passengers,” Gov. Phil Murphy wrote on Twitter. “An investigation is underway. Our prayers are with all affected by this tragic incident.”
With News Wire Services
