Fatal train accident under investigation

HAZLET — A 17-year-old township resident died after being struck by a NJ Transit train at approximately 5:30 a.m. Sept. 1.

A preliminary investigation into the incident by the NJ Transit police found that the resident, identified as Nicholas G. Kansky, stepped in front of the train and made no effort to avoid it, according to NJ Transit spokesman Will Smith.

The train, which was bound for New York on the North Jersey Coast Line, struck Kansky near the Beers Street train crossing at Bedle Road in Hazlet, Smith said.

Roughly 50 riders were aboard the train at the time, but no injuries to the passengers were reported.

According to Smith, there was a brief suspension of service along the North Jersey Coast Line following the incident, but trains were operational by mid-morning.

Smith said the investigation is ongoing.

— Adam Uzialko