Pancho Bernasconi/Getty Images(HOBOKEN, N.J.) — At least one person has died and dozens more have been injured, including “multiple critical injuries” after a NJ Transit commuter train carrying 250 people crashed into the Hoboken’s historic train station Thursday morning, authorities said.
The crash seriously damaged the Hoboken Terminal building itself, leading to its evacuation and to both NJ Transit and PATH, which also runs trains out of the station, to suspend all service there.
“There is heavy structural damage to the terminal, which is why it was evacuated,” said Jennifer Nelson, director of media relations for NJ Transit. “It is not safe to go in there right now.”
Most of those injured appear to have been riding in the first car or were in the station and were struck by debris. Passengers on the second car and further back were able to exit the train.
Federal investigators are en route, according to Matthew Lehner, spokesman for the Federal Railroad Administration.
Passengers say the train on NJ Transit’s Pascack Valley line started in Spring Valley, New York at 7:23 a.m. with a scheduled arrival time in Hoboken of 8:38 a.m, but was running late.
The National Transportation Safety Board is gathering information.
Passengers were to be evacuated from the terminal as the structural integrity of the roof is tested.
Passengers say it was Train Number 1614 on the Pascack Valley Line All NJ Transit service will be diverted to Secaucus Junction.
In addition, all PATH service at the Hoboken station is suspended. Passengers are advised to use NJ Transit Light Rail.
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