Train driver killed, 23 others injured after NJ Transit River Line Light Rail train crashes into fallen tree in Mansfield Township

MANSFIELD TWP., N.J. (WPVI) — One person is dead and 16 others are injured in a train crash Monday morning in Mansfield Township, New Jersey.

It happened just after 6 a.m. on the New Jersey River Line Light Rail route near US 130.

The train was traveling south from Trenton when it crashed into a tree north of Roebling station.

According to officials, the train driver was killed.

The train had 42 passengers on board at the time of the incident. Of the passengers, 23 suffered non-life-threatening injuries, most of which were said to be minor. The other 19 were accommodated by bus.

Helicopter 6 was overhead where a large piece of tree could be seen under the front of the train.

People could also be seen being carried away from the crime scene on stretchers.

The NJ Transit River Line is closed in both directions between Florence and Trenton. A replacement bus service will be offered.

Southbound Route 130 between Burlington and Kinkora roads is also closed.

Action News spoke with nearby residents who said they had never seen anything like this.

“We never heard of an accident from the start. We’ve been here for about 40 years and have never heard of an accident on the River Line,” said a nearby neighbor.

“We heard all the ambulances and helicopters and had to come here to see it and they told us that unfortunately the river line had derailed and some people could be injured or possibly dead,” another neighbor said. “So keep everyone in your prayers (And) Let everyone have a good time.

There is a holding area at the River Front Motel for the families of the injured.

The New Jersey Transit Police are on scene and investigating.