NJ Transit officials, two trains “made contact” just west of the Bay Street station in Montclair.
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Montclair-Boonton Line faced a terrifying evening on Friday, December 19, 2025, when two NJ Transit trains collided near the Bay Street Station, leading to a derailment and a massive emergency response.
The incident occurred during the heart of the evening rush at approximately 6:47 p.m., turning a routine trip home into a chaotic scene of twisted metal and flashing sirens.
What Happened: The Impact at Bay Street
According to NJ Transit officials, two trains “made contact” just west of the Bay Street station in Montclair. The force of the collision was enough to send one train car off the tracks.
Passengers described a violent jolt that sent belongings flying. Shaun Barrett, a commuter on one of the trains, told reporters the impact felt like a high-speed car crash.
“I had my phone, my bag—everything just dropped all over the floor,” Barrett said. “I was sitting on one chair and it propelled me into the other seat. Luckily, I caught myself.”
17 Injured; Rescue Crews Swarm the Scene
Emergency responders from Montclair and surrounding Essex County towns arrived quickly to treat the wounded.
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The Toll: 17 people were treated for injuries.
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Condition: Officials confirmed that all injuries are currently considered non-life-threatening.
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Damage: Photos from the scene show significant structural damage to at least one train car, with the metal exterior caved in near the point of impact.
Investigation Underway: NTSB Joins the Probe
While the immediate focus was on passenger safety, the question of why remains unanswered. NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri and senior leadership were on the scene late into the night.
The investigation is currently a multi-agency effort:
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NJ Transit Police: Leading the initial criminal and procedural probe.
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NTSB: The National Transportation Safety Board has been notified and is expected to conduct an independent federal investigation into the cause of the collision.
Local officials noted that this is the second derailment near this specific location in recent history, a factor that investigators will likely scrutinize.
Travel Update: Service Restoration
Following the crash, rail service on the Montclair-Boonton Line was suspended in both directions for several hours as crews worked to clear the wreckage and inspect the tracks.
Current Status:
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Service: As of Saturday morning, December 20, 2025, rail service has resumed on the Montclair-Boonton Line.
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Alternate Options: During the suspension, NJ Transit cross-honored tickets on buses. Commuters are advised to check the NJ Transit website for any residual delays.
Incident Snapshot: Montclair Train Collision
| Feature | Details |
| Date & Time | Friday, Dec 19, 2025 |
| Location | West of Bay Street Station, Montclair, NJ |
| Casualties | 17 Injuries (Non-life-threatening) |
| Train Line | Montclair-Boonton Line |
| Investigation | NJ Transit Police & NTSB |
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