MANSFIELD TWP., NJ – A train accident early Monday morning in Mansfield Township claimed the life of a train operator and left 16 others injured. The New Jersey River Line Light Rail train was heading southbound from Trenton when it collided with a fallen tree just north of Roebling Station, according to local authorities.
The incident occurred shortly after 6 a.m. and involved 42 passengers on board. Local officials confirmed that while the operator did not survive the accident, 23 passengers sustained non-life-threatening injuries, mostly minor, and were treated accordingly. The remaining 19 passengers were transported from the scene via bus.
Aerial footage showed a sizable tree lodged beneath the train’s front, and emergency personnel were visible on-site attending to the injured. In response to the accident, NJ Transit temporarily halted River Line services between Florence and Trenton, offering a replacement bus service for affected passengers.
Southbound Route 130 between Burlington and Kinkora roads has also been closed until further notice, as emergency responders and investigators work at the site. Many area residents expressed shock over the incident, noting that such accidents are unprecedented in the area.
Witnesses described the scene, recounting hearing emergency vehicles and expressing concern for those involved.
A designated area for the families of those affected has been set up at the River Front Motel for support and information. New Jersey Transit Police are currently leading an investigation into the accident’s cause and circumstances.