New Jersey

Teen crossing tracks hit, killed by NJ Transit River Line train, officials say

The 15-year-old boy was crossing at Chestnut Street in Palmyra, NJ, when he was hit by the train on Thursday morning

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A teenager was killed after being hit by an NJ Transit train on Thursday, Aug. 8 in Burlington County, according to officials with the transit agency.

A River LINE train was traveling northbound at Chestnut Street in Palmyra around 8:19 a.m. when it struck the teen who was crossing and killed him, officials said.

Police in Palmyra taped off part of Broad Street for several hours while authorities investigated.

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The 28 riders and the operator of the train were not hurt in the incident, NJ Transit said.

River LINE service is running again between Cinnaminson and Route 73 with 30-minute delays in both directions.

"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," Lonnie Torres, who lives nearby, said.

Palmyra Borough posted to its Facebook account that the victim was a 15-year-old student athlete.

Palmyra High School soccer and wrestling students spoke with NBC10 and identified him as Matthew Dickinson.

Many described him as a great friend, teammate and student.

"I send my condolences to him and his family. And I’m sorry. God bless you guys, I’ll say a prayer for you," Torres said.

Neighbors are expressing concerns about safety on the tracks that are by many homes.

One resident, Jeffery, told us, "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.”

Police with NJ Transit are investigating.

This is a developing story. Check back here for updates.

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