Mansfield Township, NJ — A tragic incident unfolded early Monday morning in New Jersey when a River Line train collided with a fallen tree part, resulting in the death of the train operator and injuries to 23 passengers. The crash occurred just north of Roebling Station as the train was en route south from Trenton.
Emergency services, including multiple EMS, police, and fire crews, responded promptly to the scene along Route 130 to assist the injured. According to New Jersey Transit, the injuries sustained by the passengers were non-life-threatening, mostly minor.
Following the crash, New Jersey Transit Police took charge of the scene to investigate the circumstances that led to the accident. There were 42 passengers aboard the train at the time of the incident. Those who were unhurt were evacuated and transported away from the scene by bus.
Governor Phil Murphy has been updated on the developments and expressed his concern. “An investigation is underway. Our prayers are with all affected by this tragic incident,” Murphy stated. In response to the crash, several roads were closed including the southbound side of U.S.-130 in Burlington County to facilitate emergency response and initial investigations.
The River Line, a vital commuter rail in southern New Jersey, connects the cities of Camden and Trenton and runs parallel to the Delaware River. Since its inauguration in 2004, the service has become a key part of the daily commute for many, with an average weekday ridership exceeding 8,600 passengers.
Service on the River Line was suspended in both directions between Florence and Trenton following the incident. To accommodate displaced travelers, New Jersey Transit arranged for substitute bus transportation.
The incident has not only sparked a comprehensive investigation but also a review of the safety measures current in place along this route, which witnessed a similar though non-fatal accident involving a pedestrian in Palmyra this past August.
As the community reels from this tragedy, the focus turns to not only understanding how this incident occurred but also ensuring such an accident doesn’t happen again. The results of the ongoing investigation are awaited, with the hope that they will shed light on necessary changes to enhance the safety of public transit systems. Meanwhile, local authorities and New Jersey Transit are working to restore full service as safely and swiftly as possible.