New Jersey Train Crash: 5 Things You Need To Know

A commuter train headed to Hoboken lost control and crashed into the Hoboken Terminal just before 9 a.m. Thursday morning. As of 1 p.m. Thursday afternoon, at least one person had been killed and 75 were injured.

The National Transportation Safety Board has what it calls a "Go Team" on its way to New Jersey to investigate exactly what happened. That team of investigative specialists may have a press conference later in the day.

Click here to read the latest coverage from Patch.

In the meantime, here are five things you need to know.

1. WHAT HAPPENED?

This much is known: It was 8:45 Thursday morning when the 7:23 Pascack Valley train operated by NJ Transit crashed into the Hoboken Station. The train ran into the rail bumper at the station and crashed into the passenger concourse.

At least one person is dead and 100 are injured, according to reports.

2. WHAT HAPPENED TO THE ENGINEER?

CNN reports that he was seen being removed from the train unconscious. Part of the investigation will try to determine if he had suffered a medical event such as a heart attack or stroke.

3. DID THE TRAIN HAVE POSITIVE TRAIN CONTROL TECHNOLOGY?

The technology, which is supposed to prevent trains from derailing, had not been installed on the train. The United States Department of Transportation has set Dec. 31, 2018 as the deadline for installing this technology on all trains.

According to the most recent progress report for NJ Transit, not one employee has yet to be trained on the technology. That reported was dated Sept. 13.

4. WAS THIS TERRORISM?

Gov. Chris Christie said there were no signs the crash was deliberate or terror-related.

5. WHAT DO YOU DO IF YOU STILL NEED TO GET TO NEW YORK OR GET HOME FROM NEW YORK?

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said ferries were not running, either. Anyone trying to get to or from New York should expect major delays.

Photo courtesy of John Tachine