ROEBLING, N.J. (1010 WINS) – A New Jersey light rail train struck a downed tree south of Trenton on Monday morning, killing the train’s operator and injuring nearly two dozen passengers, transit officials said.
The southbound River Line train hit the tree just after 6 a.m. on the tracks north of Roebling Station.
The train’s operator was killed in the crash, NJ Transit said. They haven't yet been identified.
Of the 42 passengers on board, 23 suffered non-life-threatening injuries, most of them minor, according to officials.
The remaining 19 passengers were accommodated by a bus, officials said.
It wasn’t immediately clear what caused the tree to end up on the tracks. Chopper videos show the operator's cab totally smashed in by the tree.
NJ Transit Police were on scene investigating.
Gov. Phil Murphy said he'd been briefed on the crash and that "our prayers are with all affected by this tragic incident."
River Line service was suspended in both directions between the Roebling and Trenton train stations, and sections of some nearby roads, including U.S. Highway 130, closed as authorities investigated.
State Sen. Troy Singleton announced just last week he would be hosting a public meeting on Oct. 22 to address safety and reliability on the River Line.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.