9 Train Passengers Injured In Metro-North Crash In Waterbury: UPDATE

WATERBURY, CT — Nine passengers were left with minor injuries after a Metro-North train collided with a tractor-trailer in Waterbury late Monday morning, according to authorities.

In an emailed statement, Metropolitan Transportation Authority spokesperson Joana Flores said the tractor-trailer was involved in a crash with another vehicle near the Eagle Street railroad crossing in Waterbury.

After the crash, the driver of the tractor trailer drove the vehicle onto Metro-North Railroad tracks a short distance away.

According to Flores, the tractor-trailer was positioned in the path of the 10:45 a.m. train from Waterbury to Bridgeport, which hit the truck at the railroad crossing.

When the driver of the tractor-trailer noticed crossing gates lowering, he tried to move the truck out of the way but was unable to drive away before the collision, Flores said.

There were 30-35 passengers onboard the train at the time of the crash. Nine passengers reported minor injuries and were evaluated at the scene, Flores said.

The driver of the tractor trailer refused medical attention, Flores said. No member of the train crew reported injuries.

Police and emergency personnel responded to the railroad crossing in Waterbury following the crash. MTA police issued the tractor-trailer driver a summons for stopping on a railroad crossing, Flores said.

"Our thoughts are with the passengers who were on board the train, and we appreciate the rapid response of Waterbury EMTs and police, along with the MTAPD," Metro-North president Catherine Rinaldi said in a statement emailed to Patch. "Thankfully, injuries appear to be minor. Metro-North Railroad crews are responding to dislodge the truck from underneath the train, and then to restore service between Waterbury and Beacon Falls as quickly as possible. In the meantime, the railroad is arranging substitute bus service for passengers at affected stations. Damage to the train and crossing equipment appears to be minimal."

Around 11:15 a.m., Metro-North officials said on Twitter the 10:45 a.m. train was delayed near Naugatuck due to police activity and there was no service between Naugatuck and Waterbury.

Railroad officials also noted they were attempting to secure buses and would keep travelers updated.

Around noon, railroad officials said the 10:45 a.m. train from Waterbury to Bridgeport would originate out of Beacon Falls and was operating 40-45 minutes late.

"There is currently no train service between Beacon Falls and Waterbury because of police activity near Naugatuck," Metro-North officials said on Twitter.

Around 1:30 a.m., Metro-North officials said customers would be accommodated by bus service from Beacon Falls to Waterbury, beginning with the 12:50 p.m. train from Bridgeport to Waterbury.

Around 2 p.m., railroad officials said the 12:40 p.m. train from Waterbury to Bridgeport had been canceled and passengers at Waterbury and Naugatuck would be accommodated by bus service to Beacon Falls.