MONTCLAIR, N.J. — Evening commutes turned to chaos on December 19 when two New Jersey Transit trains collided near the Bay Street station, injuring at least 11 people and triggering a full suspension of the Montclair-Boonton Line service.
The incident, which emergency responders classified as a mass casualty event, occurred at approximately 6:47 p.m. A spokesperson for NJ Transit confirmed that the trains “made contact” on the tracks west of the Bay Street station in Montclair.
Scene of Controlled Chaos
First responders rushed to the scene, where they triaged and treated passengers. Officials have confirmed that all injuries are non-life-threatening. The triage assessment found two individuals with moderate “yellow tag” injuries and nine with minor “green tag” injuries. Of those with minor injuries, two were transported to nearby hospitals as a precaution.
Emergency personnel from multiple agencies remained on-site into the night, managing the aftermath and assisting displaced passengers. The cause of the collision is under active investigation by NJ Transit and relevant authorities.
Major Service Disruption
The crash has caused a significant disruption for thousands of commuters. NJ Transit has suspended all service on the Montclair-Boonton Line indefinitely while crews work to investigate the scene and ensure the structural safety of the tracks and infrastructure.
Travelers are urged to avoid the area and check the official NJ Transit website and social media channels for real-time updates on service restoration and alternative travel options, including bus bridges that may be established.
Ongoing Investigation
NJ Transit officials have stated that a full investigation into the cause of the collision is underway. They have not released details on what led to the trains making contact but emphasized that safety protocols are being thoroughly reviewed.
“We are focused on assisting those affected and conducting a swift and complete investigation to understand how this occurred,” an NJ Transit representative said.
Further updates on passenger conditions and the timeline for service restoration are expected as the investigation progresses.