Update on NJ Train Operator Killed in Crash: ‘Never Should Have Happened’

The family of a New Jersey Transit operator killed in a train crash on Monday plans to sue the agency, according to the family’s attorney.
Jessica Haley, a 41-year-old single mother of three, was killed when the River Line train she was operating hit a part of a tree that had fallen onto the tracks in Mansfield. Haley worked for Alstom, the contractor for NJ Transit, for 20 years.
Haley was the only one killed in the crash, but 23 others were injured.
Kila Baldwin, the attorney for Haley’s family, said she intends to take legal action against the state, NJ Transit and others in a statement sent to Newsweek.
“I have been retained by Jessica Haley’s family to represent them, and while the family is in the process of formally raising the estate, we have served the notice of our intent to file a tort claims act on the State of NJ, New Jersey Transit, New Jersey Transit Rail Operations, Southern JJ Rail Group, Alstom, Burlington County Board of Commissioners, and Township of Mansfield,” Baldwin said.
She said the various organizations are responsible for the safety of train passengers and employees.
“It is the duty of all companies who operate trains to ensure the tracks are clear for the safety of everyone on those trains, including the operators of the trains, like Ms. Haley,” Baldwin said. “Ms. Haley was a single mother of three boys, and lost her life due to the failure of the responsible parties to inspect these tracks and keep them clear. This never should have happened, and we will be investigating the case carefully to hold all responsible parties accountable. The family is understandably devastated and intends to pursue this matter to the fullest extent of the law to prevent anyone from ever suffering the same fate as Jessica.”
Haley’s two sisters also worked as train conductors on the River Line. Her sister Rebecca Haley said that the trees along that portion of the River Line had been “troublesome” and other trains had also hit fallen trees in recent years.
“The train conductors complained for years that something had to be done and even suggested having a track car go down the southbound track where Jessica was killed in advance of any passenger cars traveling that way,” Baldwin said. “At one point, dangerous trees along the railway were marked with X’s, but never taken down. There had been a landslide in that same area recently, and a small retaining wall was put up in one section to prevent debris from falling on the tracks, but many sections of the track, including the one where Jessica was killed, had no protection.”
Haley was from Levittown in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. A GoFundMe for the family has raised over $14,000 so far.
NJ Transit told Newsweek they “decline comment due to pending litigation.”
The River Line is a hybrid rail in southern New Jersey that riders from Camden to Trenton. The route runs parallel to the Delaware River. The service, which started in 2004, is operated by NJ Transit. Its average weekday ridership is over 8,600.
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said on X that he had been briefed on the incident.
“An investigation is underway. Our prayers are with all affected by this tragic incident,” Murphy said.
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