METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

NTSB releases preliminary report on NJ Transit crash investigation

In addition, a man who had his finger partially ripped off during the accident is planning to sue the transit agency.

October 13, 2016
NTSB releases preliminary report on NJ Transit crash investigation

NTS

2 min to read


NTS

The National Transportation Safety Board released Thursday its preliminary report on the investigation of the Sept. 29, 2016, accident involving New Jersey Transit train 1614 at the Hoboken Terminal, Hoboken, N.J.

One person died and 110 more were injured when the 400-foot long train, which consisted of a controlling passenger car (cab car), three passenger cars, and one locomotive at the rear, failed to stop, overrode a bumping post, and struck a wall of the terminal.

Ad Loading...

The preliminary report details factual information gained to date in the investigation. It does not contain analysis and does not state probable cause. The information contained within the preliminary report is subject to change as data is validated.

The NTSB investigator-in-charge formed the following technical groups to gather information and evidence for the investigation: Operations, Human Performance, Survival Factors, Signal Systems, Track and Engineering, Mechanical/Equipment, and Event/Video Data Recorders.

Both the engineer and conductor were interviewed by NTSB investigators. The emergency response to the accident is being reviewed by investigators as are records for operations, signal systems, mechanical equipment, and track and engineering. Investigators inspected the track structure, signal system, and mechanical equipment involved in the accident.

Investigators tested the signal and train control system; the accident route was duplicated with signal alignment and functioned as designed. The signal system was restored to service with the exception of the damaged signal at the end of track 5, the track upon which the accident happened.

NTSB/Chris O'Neil

NTSB investigators found the cab car’s electrical communication network — necessary for brake, signal, and propulsion control — was destroyed in the accident. Conversely, accident damage to the cab car’s air brake system was minor and was repaired for testing. The train brakes functioned as designed during a friction brake test using the rear locomotive to apply the brakes.

Ad Loading...

To read the full report, click here.

In addition, the New York Daily News is reporting that a man who had one finger partially ripped off in the crash is planning on suing NJ Transit.

The man also suffered deep gashes carved into his head when his train slammed into a restraining barrier at twice the normal stopping speed at the Hoboken station Sept. 29 during his morning commute. For the full story, click here.


More Security and Safety

Transit Leaders Gather for National Safety Summit
Security and Safetyby Alex RomanSeptember 16, 2026

Transit Agencies Highlight Safety Gains at National Summit

Leaders from 15 major transit systems shared crime-reduction results and safety initiatives while discussing the role of continued federal support.

Read More →
DART's light rail station at 8th and Corinth
Security and Safetyby Alex RomanSeptember 10, 2026

DART Launches Major Security, Fare Enforcement Initiative

The 90-day demonstration will deploy coordinated security teams at five light rail stations while testing controlled access and gathering data to guide future investments.

Read More →
RTD Launches All-in-One NextRide App
Technologyby Alex RomanAugust 26, 2026

RTD Launches NextRide App to Consolidate Trip Planning, Fares, Security Reporting

The app expands on RTD’s existing NextRide web application and allows customers to view real-time vehicle locations and service alerts, purchase and store digital fares, and access customer support.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A blue and white graphic with technician hands working on an engine and text reading "TAPTCO Updates OSHA Compliance Training for Transit Maintenance."
Security and Safetyby Elora HaynesAugust 25, 2026

TAPTCO Updates OSHA Compliance Training for Transit Maintenance Operations

The revamped program addresses 26 OSHA standards for maintenance facilities, with TAPTCO pointing to training, documentation, and everyday shop hazards as continuing challenges for transit operations.

Read More →
An image of a doorway on a public transit vehicle with a yellow outline overlay.
SponsoredAugust 18, 2026

How VaporVision Adds Value to Transit Door Systems

Wabtec engineers explain how the system improves doorway detection, strengthens diagnostics and gives transit agencies and OEMs greater operating flexibility.

Read More →
An Amtrak Cascades Airo Trainset at a station.
Railby Alex RomanAugust 14, 2026

FRA Announces $5.3B in Rail Investments, Including $2B for Amtrak

Funding will support grade-crossing improvements, infrastructure upgrades, and new Amtrak equipment in 23 states.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Layered Safety Strategies Take Hold in Chicago and Maryland
Security and Safetyby Alex RomanAugust 13, 2026

Chicago, Maryland Expand Non-Law-Enforcement Safety, Rider Support

The CTA and MTA are launching new programs aimed at de-escalation, crisis response, rider assistance, and greater transparency.

Read More →
AI Powers Bus Lane Enforcement
Technologyby Alex RomanAugust 12, 2026

LA Metro, City of West Hollywood, and Partners Advance Smarter Bus Lane Enforcement

The award-winning partnership combines AI-powered detection with human oversight to improve bus reliability, accessibility, and enforcement efficiency.

Read More →
A man speaks with two Los Angeles Metro Ambassadors.
Security and Safetyby Elora HaynesAugust 4, 2026

LA Metro Reports 57% Decline in Homelessness on Transit System Since 2024

The agency's latest homelessness count offers new data on how care-based services and cross-sector partnerships can complement traditional transit security strategies.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
An image of the white house with text overlayed reading "FTA Launches Transit Performance Dashboard."
Security and Safetyby Elora HaynesJuly 24, 2026

FTA Launches 'Transit Moves America' Dashboard to Highlight Agency Safety and Performance

The online dashboard transforms National Transit Database information into a public-facing resource that allows users to compare transit agencies on key operational and safety metrics.

Read More →