Freight Train Pushes Car a Quarter-Mile on Tracks in South Brunswick, Driver Injured

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, N.J. — An 82-year-old woman suffered minor injuries after her car was struck and pushed approximately a quarter-mile by a freight train in South Brunswick, New Jersey, officials said.

The incident occurred Wednesday afternoon around 2 p.m. when the woman stopped her vehicle on the tracks after noticing flashing warning lights indicating an approaching train, according to authorities. Despite the warning, the car was positioned on the tracks when the CSX freight train collided with it.

The train pushed the woman’s gray four-door sedan, with her inside, along the tracks before coming to a stop. The woman sustained a minor leg injury and was transported to a local hospital for treatment, officials said.

Photos released by the South Brunswick Police Department showed the vehicle positioned perpendicular across the tracks directly in front of the train. The collision caused the closure of Route 535 in both directions for several hours while emergency responders managed the scene.

Authorities have not released further details regarding the circumstances that led to the vehicle stopping on the tracks or the train’s speed at the time of impact. The South Brunswick Police Department has been contacted for additional comment.

The incident highlights the dangers of vehicles stopping on railroad tracks despite warning signals and the potential severity of collisions involving trains and automobiles.

Written By

Priya Desai

Priya Desai covers technology, platforms and data privacy, with a focus on how AI, social media and digital policy are reshaping work, speech and daily life.

View Full Bio & Articles →