A tragic train accident in Burlington County, New Jersey, has left one person dead and 23 others injured after a NJ Transit train collided with a fallen tree early Monday morning. The fatal incident occurred around 6 a.m. near Roebling Station in Mansfield Township when a southbound River Line train traveling from Trenton struck the tree, which had fallen onto the tracks.
Authorities have confirmed that the train’s conductor was killed in the crash, while 23 passengers onboard suffered non-life-threatening injuries. The train had a total of 42 people aboard at the time of the accident, including passengers and crew. Emergency services quickly responded to the scene, treating the injured and transporting several passengers to nearby hospitals for further evaluation.
Officials have set up a staging area at the River Front Motel in Burlington County for the families of those involved in the accident. NJ Transit is working with local authorities to provide information and assistance to affected families as the investigation continues.
Governor Phil Murphy expressed his condolences in a statement posted on social media, where he confirmed that he had been briefed on the situation. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the conductor’s family and all those affected by this tragic accident. We are working closely with NJ Transit and local officials to ensure everyone is receiving the support they need.”
Investigators are now focusing on the cause of the accident, specifically why the tree had fallen onto the tracks. High winds and recent storms in the area may have contributed to the tree’s collapse, though authorities have not yet made any official determinations.
The family of a train operator killed early yesterday in a New Jersey Transit River Line crash is planning to sue. The family of Jessica Harley, who was killed when the train she was operating struck a tree in Mansfield Township, plans on suing the transit agency, state officials and others. The lawsuit is claiming NJ Transit failed to protect passengers and the conductor by failing to keep the tracks free of trees and other debris. The crash also injured almost two dozen passengers. Meantime, investigators haven’t said if the tree fell on the train, or if it was lying on the tracks and the train hit it.
The River Line, a light rail service that connects Trenton and Camden, is temporarily suspended as crews work to clear the tracks and assess any additional damage to the railway system. Passengers who were scheduled to use the service have been advised to seek alternate transportation as NJ Transit conducts a thorough inspection of the affected area.
The incident has left the local community in shock, as train accidents of this magnitude are rare in the region. Many are expressing concern for the safety of the state’s transit infrastructure, particularly in light of severe weather events that can cause unexpected hazards such as falling trees.
While the full details of the investigation are still forthcoming, this fatal accident underscores the importance of maintaining safe and clear railways, especially in areas susceptible to weather-related incidents. NJ Transit has pledged full cooperation with investigators as they work to determine what went wrong and how to prevent future tragedies.
For now, the focus remains on providing support to the victims and their families, while ensuring that train services are restored safely and efficiently in the aftermath of this devastating accident.
