NTSB completes preliminary review of Montclair train collision; injured NJ Transit crew released
MONTCLAIR TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Essex County) — Federal investigators have completed a preliminary review of last week’s collision between two NJ Transit trains in Montclair, clearing the site for recovery operations after all injured crew members were released from area hospitals.
NJ Transit said the National Transportation Safety Board arrived on scene Saturday and completed its preliminary investigation into the collision west of Bay Street Station. That clearance allowed NJ Transit rail crews to begin re-railing and removing the affected train cars from the area.
“We are grateful that the six people treated at two area hospitals last night, all NJ TRANSIT crew members, have all been released. We thank NJ TRANSIT personnel and first responders for their swift response and continued focus on the safety of our passengers and employees,” NJ Transit said in a statement.
The collision occurred at about 6:47 p.m. Friday, when two NJ Transit trains on the Montclair-Boonton Line made contact, resulting in a minor derailment. Initial reports said 17 people suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
NJ Transit President and CEO Kris Kolluri and senior staff responded to the scene along with NJ Transit Police, who led the initial response and coordinated with first responders until the NTSB arrived.
“Our primary focus during this incident is the safety of our passengers, our employees and our first responders,” NJ Transit said following the crash.
Rail service on the Montclair-Boonton Line resumed Saturday and continued operating normally Monday as recovery work and the broader investigation moved forward.
