New Jersey freight train derailment disrupts NJ Transit's Raritan Valley Line
A freight train derailment in New Jersey suspended NJ Transit service on the Raritan Valley Line on Tuesday morning.
Starting Wednesday, the Raritan Valley Line will operate on a modified schedule with trains operating between High Bridge and Cranford. This schedule will remain in place until further notice. For the latest updates, visit the NJ Transit website.
Over a dozen freight train cars derail near Union Station
NJ Transit said the train derailed on the Conrail-owned section of the line near Union Station at 6:50 a.m.
Several cars of the train came off the track near the Kean University campus. At least one car tipped over on its side, and two large containers were seen lying on the ground. Train wheels were also seen scattered across the tracks. At least 20 cars carrying cargo containers were leaning or completely derailed. Most of the train, however, appeared to be upright.
Crews were on the scene, assessing the damage and figuring out how to remove the massive freight cars. Officials said a crane will be needed to lift them. The complex operation could take hours, if not longer.
Train tickets and passes were being cross-honored by NJ Transit buses. Hourly service from Raritan to Cranford resumed just before noon. Limited service was operating to and from High Bridge, and substitute bus service continued from Cranford to Newark. Click here for travel alternatives from NJ Transit.
"The whole house shook"
The Raritan Valley Line reportedly serves more than 23,000 riders per day.
Commuters and area residents sounded off about what they heard.
"About 6:55 in the morning and we were sleeping, and the whole house shook, woke us up. Oh my gosh, I think that was a train that went off the tracks," Union resident Jennifer Muniz said. "It was two booms. It was one boom, the whole house shook, and then another boom, and the house shook again."
"Trying to get to work on time today, and it doesn't seem to be happening," commuter Amy Mizrach said.
"Very frustrating, trying to get to college," another person said.
"I'm gonna find a way to get there. Right now, I'm just trying to figure out how," another added.
