Train Collision Leaves Woman Injured in South Brunswick

A freight train collided with a vehicle in South Brunswick, New Jersey, on Wednesday afternoon, resulting in minor injuries to the 82-year-old driver. The incident underscores the critical importance of rail safety measures, particularly at crossings where misjudgments can have severe consequences.

Why It Matters

This incident highlights the ongoing risks associated with train crossings, especially as aging infrastructure and increased vehicular traffic continue to pose dangers. Understanding these occurrences can prompt further discussions around safety regulations and community awareness on railroad safety.

Key Developments

• The collision occurred around 2 p.m. when the woman’s car became stuck on the tracks despite the warning lights indicating an approaching train.
• The freight train, operated by CSX, pushed her vehicle approximately a quarter of a mile before coming to a stop.
• Miraculously, the driver only sustained a minor leg injury and was subsequently transported to a local hospital for treatment.
• The incident resulted in the closure of Route 535 for several hours in both directions, as emergency services responded to the scene.

Full Report

The woman involved in the accident reportedly halted her vehicle when she saw the flashing lights warning of the oncoming train. Unfortunately, she did not realize her car was positioned on the tracks at that moment, leading to the unfortunate event. Photographs shared by the South Brunswick Police Department show the car facing perpendicular to the tracks, directly in the train’s path.

Authorities confirmed that the freight train was unable to stop in time, leading to the vehicle being pushed a considerable distance. Despite the severity of the situation, the woman was fortunate to have sustained only minor injuries, which stands as a testament to sometimes unexpected survivability in dangerous circumstances. Emergency crews quickly arrived on site, prompting traffic disruptions as Route 535 was closed to facilitate the response.

Context & Previous Events

This incident is part of a broader concern about safety at train crossings. It follows various instances of accidents involving trains and vehicles, escalating discussions around preventive measures and community awareness of the risks posed at such intersections.