Rail service along the North Jersey Coast Line experienced major disruptions Thursday evening following a trespasser fatality near Manasquan, according to NJ Transit.
Initial reports indicated a trespasser strike shortly after 8 p.m., prompting immediate emergency response and significant delays to trains traveling toward Bay Head and Long Branch.
NJ Transit first reported that Train #3373, the 8:05 p.m. arrival into Bay Head, was up to 35 minutes late, later updating that delay to 50 minutes as crews responded at the scene.
Shortly thereafter, officials confirmed that Train #4378, scheduled to arrive in Long Branch at 8:03 p.m., was delayed up to 1 hour and 20 minutes due to what was described as a trespasser fatality.
The incident also caused ripple effects across the network. The Northeast Corridor Line announced that Train #3742, the 12:05 a.m. departure from Newark Liberty International Airport, was cancelled due to equipment availability issues stemming from the earlier Manasquan fatality. Passengers were advised to take Train #3888, departing at 12:29 a.m., as an alternative.
NJ Transit police and emergency personnel were on the scene Thursday night investigating the fatality, and rail traffic was temporarily halted in both directions during the response.
Service gradually resumed with residual delays into the late evening, though NJ Transit warned of potential ongoing disruptions as the investigation continued.
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the trespasser or any details regarding the circumstances of the incident.
Passengers are urged to check NJ Transit’s official alerts page or Twitter/X feed (@NJTRANSIT) for real-time service updates.
This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
