One dead and 23 injured in train crash when tree fell on track in New Jersey

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One person is dead and 23 others were injured after a train crashed into a tree that had fallen on tracks in New Jersey Monday morning.

The incident occurred shortly after 6 a.m. in Mansfield Township when a River Line commuter train traveling south to Florence from Trenton, the state capital, crashed into a tree north of the Roebling station. News footage showed the train's front window was shattered and the obstruction was still lodged under the right side of the train.

It appears that other forward-facing parts of the train sustained severe damage.

The train driver was killed in the accident. Of the 42 passengers on board, 23 were taken to area hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries. The remaining 19 passengers were offered a bus to their final destination, which typically takes 20 minutes by train. River Line service is now suspended in both directions between Florence and Trenton and replacement service is being provided.

The identity of the train operator has not yet been released.

Officials in Burlington County have closed roads in the area, including the south side of US 130, according to News12 New Jersey. The Independent has emailed Burlington County authorities asking for more information.

“We've been here for about 40 years and have never heard of an accident on the River Line,” a shocked nearby neighbor told Action News.

Another added: “We heard all the ambulances and helicopters and had to come here to investigate and they told us that unfortunately the river line had derailed and some people could be injured or possibly killed.”

Mansfield Township Mayor Marcial Mojena said: “Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this tragic event,” a statement posted on Facebook said.