NJ Transit train collision: NTSB details Dec. 19 Montclair crash

The NJ Transit train collision in Montclair, New Jersey, is outlined in an NTSB preliminary report on the Dec. 19, 2025, incident on the Montclair-Boonton Line, after both trains were rerouted because of downed trees from a storm, as outlined on the official NTSB investigation page.

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

What the NTSB preliminary report says?

The report places the crash at about 6:47 p.m. near Bay Street Station on the Montclair-Boonton Line. Eastbound train No. 1079 struck train No. 1055, which was stopped while waiting for another train to depart the station. Four cars derailed in the collision — three from the striking train and one from the standing train — as summarized by Trains.com.

Six crew members, three from each train, were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Train No. 1055 was carrying 11 passengers, and all declined treatment. Train No. 1079 had no passengers on board.

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Conditions on the Montclair-Boonton Line before the collision

As described in the NTSB report, both trains had been operating westbound on Track 1 earlier in the day. After the storm brought down trees, they were turned back and routed east on Track 2.

The NJ Transit train collision occurred on a sharp right-hand curve on a downhill grade. Investigators documented about 126 feet of limited sight distance before the stopped train could first be seen.

Restricted speed, signals and positive train control

At the time of impact, train No. 1079 was operating under a stop-and-proceed signal indication requiring restricted speed. It was traveling at 17 mph when it struck train No. 1055.

NTSB investigators inspected the track, signals and equipment and conducted sight-distance observations. They also reviewed event and image recorder data, interviewed personnel and requested documents, including dispatcher radio and telephone recordings. The ongoing work will focus on NJ Transit internal oversight, operational procedures and positive train control functionality for trains operating at restricted speed, as noted by NTSB Newsroom.

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