17 injured in NJ Transit train collision, derailment in Montclair, officials say
Over a dozen people were injured in an NJ Transit train derailment in Montclair, New Jersey, on Friday.
It happened just after 6:45 p.m.
According to an NJ Transit spokesperson, two trains on the Montclair-Boonton Line collided in Montclair near the Bay Street station, causing one train car to derail.
The spokesperson said 17 people suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
Photo shows the damage sustained by one of the trains, with a portion of the metal caved in.
Passenger Shaun Barrett said the moment of impact felt like a car crash.
"I had my phone, my bag kinda just dropped all over the floor and everything," he said. "I was sitting on the one chair and then it propelled me to the other seat and luckily I caught myself."
The cause of the collision is not known at this time. NJ Transit said the New Jersey Transit Police Department is leading the investigation. The National Transportation Safety Board will conduct an investigation as well.
"Our primary focus during this incident is the safety of our passengers, our employees and our first responders," the NJ Transit spokesperson said.
According to the NJ Transit website, as of late Friday night, rail service on the Montclair-Boonton Line was suspended in both directions. Rail tickets and passes were being cross-honored by NJ Transit bus.