NJ Transit train strikes, kills man in Somerville
Written by Pamela MacKenzie
SOMERVILLE — NJ Transit Police are investigating the death of Aly Abbas, 35, a local resident, who was was hit by a Newark-bound train that was carrying 150 passengers about 6:30 a.m. Thursday, John Durso Jr., a spokesman for NJ Transit, said.
Durso said the trespassing incident occurred near the Somerset Street crossing, just west of the train station. No one aboard the train was hurt.
The accident caused 20 minute delays as the passengers were transferred to another train. By 9:30 a.m, all trains on the Raritan Valley Line were operating on or close to schedule, he said.
Somerville Police Capt. George Fazio said the accident happened on property owned by the transit agency, and local police were not involved in the investigation.
Fourteen people have lost their lives in collisions with NJ Transit trains this year, according to Nancy Snyder, a spokeswoman for the agency. These events have prompted NJ Transit to conduct safety programs to make more people aware of the need to stay off train tracks.
The corporation conducts about 100 safety programs in public and private schools each year to make students aware of safety factors. The public should keep in mind these important safety reminders:
• When approaching a crossing, pedestrians and motorists are advised to always expect a train from any direction, at any time.
• Always look both ways before crossing tracks, and only use designated crossings.
• Never go under or around crossing gates that are in the lowered position.
• Never trespass on the tracks: It is not legal, and it is not safe.
• Motorists are reminded to make sure there is ample room for their vehicle to clear the tracks when crossing railroad tracks. Be mindful of traffic ahead that could prevent the vehicle from clearing the path of the train.