17 Hurt After NJ Transit Trains Collide, Derail In Essex County (UPDATED)

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — More than a dozen people were hurt after two NJ Transit trains collided in Montclair on Friday evening, causing a minor derailment, authorities said.

NJ Transit said the Montclair-Boonton line trains made contact west of Bay Street in Montclair at 6:47 p.m. There were 17 non-life-threatening injuries.

An investigation into the incident continues, authorities said.

"Our primary focus during this incident is the safety of our passengers, our employees and our first responders," a NJ Transit spokesperson said.

SERVICE IMPACTS

NJ Transit suspended rail service on a stretch of the Montclair-Boonton line on Friday evening. The agency issued the following alert for riders:

‘Police Activity’ – “Montclair-Boonton Line rail service is suspended in both directions between Montclair Heights and Bay Street stations due to police activity near Bay Street. Customers should visit njtransit.com/ABC for available alternate service information.”

Friday's heavy storm with high winds also contributed to a rocky evening trip home for other riders on the Montclair-Boonton Line, when downed trees caused a separate suspension between Denville and Lincoln Park stations.

NJ Transit issued the following alert about that incident:

Downed Trees – “Montclair-Boonton Line rail service is suspended in both directions between Denville and Lincoln Park stations due downed trees across the tracks near Towaco. Substitute bus service is being provided.”

MORRIS AND ESSEX LINE

NJ Transit issued a separate travel alert on Friday for train riders on the Morris & Essex line.

Authorities said rail service was subject to up to 30-minute delays in both directions between Denville and Morris Plains stations due to “weather-related power issues.”

NJ Transit also said the 9:04 p.m. arrival to Gladstone was cancelled due to a downed tree across the tracks.

>> SEE RELATED: Storm Causes Ground Stop, Delays At Newark Airport On Friday

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Learn more about advertising on Patch here. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.