On the morning of Thursday, August 8, a tragic incident unfolded in Palmyra, Burlington County, when a teenager lost his life after being struck by a northbound NJ Transit River LINE train.
According to officials from NJ Transit, the accident occurred around 8:19 a.m. at Chestnut Street, a location that has now become the focal point of an ongoing investigation.
The River LINE train was traveling from Cinnaminson to Route 73 when it collided with the teen, who was crossing the tracks at the time. The impact was severe, and despite the rapid response from emergency services, the teenager succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
The authorities have confirmed that the train’s operator and the 28 passengers aboard were unharmed in the incident.
In the immediate aftermath, police in Palmyra established a perimeter around Broad Street, which remained cordoned off for several hours to facilitate a thorough investigation.
The incident has led to disruptions in River LINE service, with delays of approximately 30 minutes reported in both directions between Cinnaminson and Route 73. Despite these disruptions, NJ Transit has since resumed normal service operations, albeit with adjusted schedules to accommodate the delays.
The teenager involved has been identified as Matthew Dickinson, a student at Palmyra High School. Friends and classmates described him as a cherished member of their community, known for his involvement in both soccer and wrestling.
According to his peers, Dickinson was not only a dedicated athlete but also a supportive friend and a respectful student. His death has prompted an outpouring of grief and condolences from those who knew him. “I send my condolences to him and his family.
And I’m sorry. God bless you guys, I’ll say a prayer for you,” Lonnie Torres, a local resident, expressed. Torres, who lives near the scene of the accident, recounted the moment of the collision, stating, “It was just in the air. I just heard it in the air. You know what I mean? I just heard somebody say somebody got hit.”
The tragedy has also sparked discussions among local residents about safety concerns regarding the railway tracks, which run through a residential area. Some residents, like Jeffery, have raised issues about the reliability of safety mechanisms at the crossing.
He mentioned, “Sometimes the light don’t work. Sometimes the railing don’t work. The railings that’s coming down, sometimes they get stuck and take an hour to get fixed.”
These concerns highlight the potential need for improved safety measures to prevent future accidents and ensure the well-being of pedestrians and train passengers alike.
As the investigation by NJ Transit police continues, the community remains in mourning. The loss of Matthew Dickinson has left a profound impact on his family, friends, and the entire Palmyra High School community.
The circumstances of the accident are still under review, and authorities are working to understand the factors that contributed to this heartbreaking event.
This incident serves as a somber reminder of the importance of adhering to safety protocols around railway crossings and the critical need for maintaining functional and reliable safety systems.
