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New Jersey Transit Train Operator Dies After Striking Fallen Tree in Mansfield Township: What Victims Should Know
This morning, tragedy struck when a New Jersey Transit train operator lost their life after a River Line train collided with a fallen tree on the tracks in Mansfield Township, Burlington County. The train was traveling south from Trenton when the accident occurred, just north of Roebling Station, shortly after 6 a.m.
The incident resulted in significant disruptions for commuters, with 42 passengers on board. As of 9 a.m., NJ Transit reported that 23 of those riders sustained non-life-threatening injuries, while the remaining 19 passengers were safely transported from the scene by bus. In response to the accident, River Line service has been suspended between Florence and Trenton, with a substitute bus service provided to assist stranded travelers.
While the exact cause of this tragic event is still under investigation, early reports indicate that the train struck a tree that had fallen across the tracks. Whether this tree fell due to natural causes or as a result of preventable factors such as poor maintenance or oversight is yet to be determined. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy shared his sympathies, offering prayers to all affected by this tragic incident.