Updated: 34 Injured in Hoboken PATH Accident

Editor's Note: Updated at 1:10 p.m.

Thirty-four people were injured in a train accident at Hoboken's Erie Lackawanna terminal Sunday morning, but nobody was critically hurt, Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer said.

Injuries from the 8:32 a.m. accident included bruises, neck injuries, and bloody noses, Zimmer said. Twenty-two people were treated at Hoboken University Medical Center, and others went to Christ Hospital and Jersey City Medical Center. Capt. James Fitzsimmons of the Hoboken Police said that most who were injured have already been released.

Due to a police investigation of the incident, train service into and out of Hoboken has been suspended, according to a PATH alert. For passengers who need to get to or from the Hoboken terminal, NJTransit Light Rail is cross honoring tickets.

Zimmer, who went downstairs into the station to assess the damage, did not reveal much about the scene. She did say, however, that there was damage to one of the platforms.

Fitzsimmons said that the response from Hoboken's and other nearby agencies was "impeccable." Especially, he added, "considering the size of the emergency."

Zimmer said PATH is working to restore two of the Hoboken station's three tracks in time for rush hour Monday morning. There is some damage to one platform that the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is working to repair Sunday afternoon, Zimmer said.

Although early reports mentioned that the crash was caused due to a mechanical error, there has been no confirmation of the cause of the crash.

PATH trains are running from Journal Square to New York City, but are bypassing the Hoboken terminal. Around 1 p.m. it was still unclear how long it would be until the station would be reopened.

Zimmer encouraged commuters to take light rail, buses, or other means of transportation. Monday's rush hour will be more challenging than usual, she said, because of the incident. The elevator at the Hoboken terminal is also out of service. 

About 80 passengers were on the train, according to an early report through the police radio. Zimmer said the cause accident is still unknown and under investigation at this time. The train collided with the side of the platform, according one of the earliest police scanner reports.

One eyewitness who was on the train, but wished to remain anonymous, said there was a "bang" sound when the train hit something. Passengers, he said, "were mostly concerned for each other."

Hoboken Police, Hoboken Fire, the Hudson County Sherrif Department and PATH officers were all present at the scene. The Hoboken Volunteer Ambulance Corps set up a post, that was taken down around 10:30 a.m. Hudson County Sherrif Frank Schillari was present also.

No one from the Port Authority was available for public comment on Sunday morning.

A PATH police officer would not comment on the matter when reached by phone around 9 a.m. on Sunday. The PATH media relations representative had no details about the incident.