New Providence Woman ID'd As Fatal Victim In Car-Train Crash

NEW PROVIDENCE,NJ — Susan Brown, 61, of New Providence was identified as the woman who died in a serious crash with a NJ Transit train in the borough on Thursday night, NJ Transit reported.

The crash was reported at 5:53 p.m. The Gladstone Branch train line had just left the Murray Hill Train Station when it struck a vehicle, driven by Brown, at the Union Avenue crossing.

• See Related: 1 Dead Following Serious Car Crash Involving NJ Transit Train

The New Providence Police Department, Fire Department and Rescue Squad responded and found a 2015 Nissan Altima, pinned against a railroad crossing gate pole, New Providence Police report.

Brown was the only person in the car and was transported to Morristown Memorial Hospital where she was pronounced dead, an NJ Transit spokesman said.

A total of 100 passengers were on the train at the time of the crash. None of the passengers were injured. The Gladstone Branch is suspended in both directions as a result and passengers were transported via a rescue train, an NJ Transit spokesman said.

The New Providence Fire Department and Union County HAZMAT also responded to the scene as the vehicle had a ruptured gas tank.

Authorities have not yet said where the railroad barrier gate was positioned, or if it was properly functioning. Or if snow was a contributing factor to the crash. Further information is expected as the investigation progresses.

The New Jersey Transit Police Department is investigating the collision with the assistance of the New Providence Police Department's preliminary investigation.

Gladstone Branch rail services remains suspended Friday. NJ Transit bus, rail and light rail tickets and passes are being cross-honored.

Anyone that possibly witnessed this collision is requested to contact the New Jersey Transit Police Department at 973-378-6565 or the New Providence Police Department at 908-665-1111.

(Image via Shutterstock)

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