OAN Staff James Meyers
9:01 AM – Monday, October 14, 2024
A train operator was killed and at least 20 passengers on board were injured when a train crashed after a tree fell onto the tracks in New Jersey Monday morning, according to local officials.
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The incident took place around 6 a.m. in Mansfield Township on the New Jersey River Line Light Rail track US 130, WPVI-TV reported.
The train had a total of 42 passengers on board at the time of the accident. Out of the total passengers, 23 sustained non-life-threatening injuries, which are said to be mostly minor. The other 19 were transported out by a bus.
Initially, reports from the local news station said a tree fell on the train as it was moving across the tracks, injuring six passengers.
Governor Phil Murphy (D-N.J.) confirmed on X that the train operator was killed in the crash, which he said happened when “the light rail struck a tree on the tracks.”
“An investigation is underway. Our prayers are with all affected by this tragic incident,” the governor said.
Video from a local chopper at the scene showed a large piece of a tree wedged underneath the front of the train, which had been held on the tracks.
Additionally, emergency personnel were also on the scene helping those injured in the incident.
As a result, the New Jersey Transit River Line is suspended in both directions between the areas of Roebling and Bordentown.
Meanwhile, an investigation is ongoing, according to local officials.
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