Amtrak To Increase Safety, Awareness After 2 Fatal Accidents At Princeton Junction

PRINCETON, NJ — Amtrak is working to improve safety in Princeton Junction following a pair of fatal accidents, a spokesperson with the corporation said on Monday.

A Princeton High School student was struck and killed by an Amtrak train in Princeton Junction at about 3 p.m. on Thursday. School officials communicated the news about the 15-year-old’s passing to parents in a letter this week.

Two days later, a second person was struck and killed by an Amtrak train in the same area, at about 8:30 p.m. Saturday night. The person in that incident has not been identified. No crew members or passengers were injured in the incidents.

On Monday, Amtrak spokesperson Jason Abrams said the company would be reaching out to schools in the area, including Princeton High School, to set up Operation Lifesaver presentations. The school has already made guidance counselors and other trained professionals available to students and adults.

“The safety of our customers, employees and public is Amtrak’s top priority. Amtrak is a partner with Operation Lifesaver, a national, non-profit safety railroad education group whose goal is to eliminate deaths and injuries at railroad crossings and along railroad rights of way,” Abrams said. “With programs in all 50 states, the organization has trained volunteers who provide free safety talks to community groups, school bus drivers, truck drivers and student drivers to raise awareness of the dangers around railroad tracks and trains.”

During last week’s U.S. Rail Safety Week, Amtrak and Operation Lifesaver increased enforcement at railroad tracks where there have been a high number of incidents to shed a light on rail safety. One person is killed in a railroad accident every three hours, according to Amtrak.

Abrams also said Amtrak will work with local authorities to increase patrols of the Princeton Junction station and the nearby right-of-way. Amtrak Police will also increase its own patrols in the same area. West Windsor Police Lt. Mark Lee said the police department would work with Amtrak, and is always looking to improve safety

Patch file photo