1 dead after NJ Transit train hits vehicle in Emerson

EMERSON (AP) — Authorities are investigating why a car that was hit by a New Jersey Transit train, killing a man, was on the tracks.

The fiery crash occurred Thursday morning just west of the Lincoln Boulevard crossing in Emerson and not at a grade crossing.

NJ Transit spokeswoman Jennifer Nelson says the preliminary investigation shows the driver, believed to be in his late 80s, got on the tracks at the First Street crossing and drove along them.

The train had left Spring Valley, New York, at 5:10 a.m. when it hit the car, which burst into flames.

The man's name has not been released.

Service on the Pascack Valley Line resumed by 9:15 a.m. after it was suspended in both directions during the initial investigation. Buses honored NJ Transit rail passes.

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