Train strikes vehicle on tracks in Upper Montclair

A NJ Transit train collided with a vehicle stopped on the tracks near the Upper Montclair train station late Monday afternoon.
The accident occurred around 4:45 p.m. at the Bellevue Avenue grade crossing. The train was en route from New York to Montclair State University when it crashed into a gray Honda Pilot SUV that had been stopped on the tracks, according to NJ Transit spokesperson Nancy Snyder.
The vehicle sustained massive damage on its right side and its airbags were deployed. The accident also caused damage to a railroad crossing gate and signal.

Snyder stated that the vehicle’s occupants sustained minor injuries. None of the 40 passengers and crew aboard the train were reported to have been injured.
As of Tuesday morning, Snyder told the Montclair Local that the incident was under investigation, and that there was no word on whether any summonses had been issued.
A woman was treated for minor injuries at the scene and was taken to St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center in Paterson for treatment, according to Montclair Volunteer Ambulance Squad Deputy Chief Frank Carlo. It was unclear whether the woman was the driver or one of the vehicle’s passengers.
The accident caused Bellevue Avenue to be closed off for a period of time as police and NJ Transit crews responded. NJ Transit was reporting delays of up to 30 minutes on the Montclair-Boonton Line.
Montclair Police Lt. David O’Dowd referred all questions about the accident to NJ Transit, noting that the police had assisted with securing the scene pending the arrival of NJ Transit investigators.