New Jersey Transit Light Rail Crash Kills Operator; 23 Passengers Hurt

A New Jersey Transit light-rail train operator died and 23 passengers were hurt early Monday after the lead car hit a tree which fell onto the tracks.

The incident occurred around 6 a.m. ET when the southbound train from Trenton hit a tree just north of Roebling Station in Florence, New Jersey, according to an emailed statement from NJ Transit. That’s about 10 miles from Trenton, the state’s capital.

I have been briefed on an accident on the @NJTRANSIT_RL earlier today in which the light rail struck a tree on the tracks, leading to the death of the train operator and injuring passengers.

An investigation is underway. Our prayers are with all affected by this tragic incident.

— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) October 14, 2024

Of the 23 hurt passengers, all suffered non-life threatening injuries and most were minor, according to the statement. The other 19 passengers on board at the time of the crash were transported by bus. Substitute bus service between Trenton and Florence on the River Line is being provided.