News & Reviews News Wire Operator killed after NJ Transit light rail train strikes tree

Operator killed after NJ Transit light rail train strikes tree

By Trains Staff | October 14, 2024

| Last updated on November 8, 2024


Service suspended on portion of River Line

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Aerial view of damaged light rail trainset
A train operator for NJ Transit has been killed after this River Line train struck a tree. KYW-TV via X.com

MANSFIELD TOWNSHIP, N.J. — The operator of a train on NJ Transit’s River Line has died after the train stuck a downed tree early this morning, KYW-TV reports.

The incident occurred shortly after 6 a.m. when a southbound train from Trenton hit the tree just north of the Roebling station. Forty-five people were reported to be on board; five people are being treated for what are being called “moderate” injuries, though none are considered life-threatening; 19 others reported minor injuries.

An image from KYW’s news helicopter shows a portion of a large tree under the train and major damage to the front of the train.

River Line service is suspended between Trenton and Florence, N.J., with a substitute bus service in place.

The River Line, between Trenton and Camden, is an unusual diesel-powered light rail service that operates much like commuter rail, covering 34 miles and serving 21 stations.

— Updated Nov. 8 at 11 a.m. to correct train’s direction of travel.

Portion of NJ Transit River Line map
A detail from the NJ Transit River Line map shows the Trenton area, including the Roebling station (lower right) where a fatal accident occurred on Monday, Oct. 14. NJ Transit

4 thoughts on “Operator killed after NJ Transit light rail train strikes tree

  1. The lawyers know that government has the deepest pockets of all. Because its emptied those of the people!

  2. Update: accident was today, Mon 10-14-2024. Train had left Trenton 5.45 AM; it WAS the first Southbound.

  3. Was this the first train of the DAY past the accident site? If so, with all the rain was there either a high rail inspection before or trains operated at restricted speeds?

    1. What rain? There’s been a drought since the beginning of September.

      Trenton to Camden is Southward and the first Sunday train from Trenton is 6.14 AM. Sunrise is after 7.00 AM

      River Line is part-time Light Rail; part-time regular freight rail. To address the differences in equipment, the line is operated under Temporal Separation with Light Rail in the daytime and evenings (freight rail is locked out) and freight rail in the overnight (Light Rail is locked out). I don’t know if there was a freight movement Saturday Night.

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