Operator Killed In NJ Train Crash ID'd As Single Mother Of 3

BURLINGTON COUNTY, NJ — An NJ Transit operator killed in a train crash has been identified as a single mother of three.

Jessica Haley, 41, was the operator killed when a River Line light rail train struck a log on the tracks Monday morning in Burlington County, says attorney Kila Baldwin, who is representing her loved ones. Baldwin said she has served the notice of intent to file tort claims against the parties allegedly responsible for Haley's death.

"(Haley) lost her life due to the failure of the responsible parties to inspect these tracks and keep them clear," Baldwin said in a statement. "This never should have happened, and we will be investigating the case carefully to hold all responsible parties accountable."

NJ Transit had not disclosed the identity of the operator killed in the crash, which also injured 23 passengers.

A spokesperson for NJ Transit declined comment due to the pending litigation.

Haley was a single mother of three boys who lived in Levittown, Pennsylvania. She worked for Alstom, the contractor to NJ Transit, for 20 years, Baldwin said.

The trees along this section of the New Jersey River Line were troublesome for years and other trains had hit downed trees in recent years, Baldwin claims. The train conductors complained about the issue for years, according to Baldwin's law firm, Anapol Weiss.

Service on much of the River Line will remain suspended through Tuesday as officials repair the tracks and investigate the matter. Substitute bus service is in place for all stops between Trenton Transit Center and Florence Station.

This article includes reporting from Dino Ciliberti/Patch.