Hackensack, NJ - Woman Killed in Train Crash on Sussex St near Railroad Ave
Hackensack, NJ (August 13, 2025) - A tragic train incident in Hackensack claimed the life of a 79-year-old woman Thursday morning, according to officials.
Authorities said the collision occurred near the intersection of Sussex Street and Railroad Avenue, close to the Essex Street Station. The victim, identified as Luz E. Lopez of Union Street—just a block from the scene—was struck by New Jersey Transit’s Pascack Valley Line Train 1651.
The train had departed Hoboken at 9:34 a.m. and was en route to New Bridge Landing when the crash happened. Lopez succumbed to her injuries at the scene.
Officials confirmed that no passengers or crew members on board were injured. The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation.
New Jersey Train Accidents
Across New Jersey, train travel is generally safe—but tragic accidents still occur, leaving devastating consequences for families. From busy urban stations in Newark and Hoboken to smaller communities along the rail lines, fatal train accidents remain a heartbreaking reality. These incidents not only claim lives but also raise urgent questions about safety measures, infrastructure, and accountability.
Many fatal train accidents involve preventable factors, such as pedestrian or motorist misjudgment at crossings, failure to obey signals, or other unsafe behaviors near the tracks. Even a single lapse in attention can have fatal consequences, and the results are often catastrophic for both the victim and their loved ones.
For families left behind, the loss is profound. Beyond the emotional trauma, they may face unexpected expenses, including funeral costs, medical bills, and the loss of a loved one’s income. Pursuing legal action against responsible parties can provide a path to justice and financial support during an otherwise overwhelming time.
At Stern & Stern, our wrongful death attorneys have more than 40 years of experience representing New Jersey families affected by fatal train accidents. We understand the complexities of these cases, including investigations into rail operations, crossing safety, and liability issues. Our team is committed to helping families seek answers, hold responsible parties accountable, and pursue compensation to help ease the burdens caused by such a sudden loss.
If your loved one was killed in a train accident, Stern & Stern can help you explore your legal options with compassion and care. Call us at (201) 569-2222 or visit our website to schedule a confidential consultation. You don’t have to face this alone.
Notes: Stern&Stern, LLP utilizes secondary sources to create this post. The facts surrounding this specific accident have not been independently verified. If you find any information that is inaccurate or incorrect, please contact Stern&Stern, LLP. We will update the post promptly to reflect the most accurate details available.
Disclaimers: None of the information in this post is intended to be legal advice or medical advice. This post is not a solicitation for business. If you have been injured in an accident, please seek medical attention as soon as possible. The photo used in this post was not taken at the actual accident scene.