**N.J. Transit Train Collision with Tree Results in Fatality and Multiple Injuries**

A tragic incident occurred early Monday morning when a New Jersey Transit light rail train collided with a chunk of tree on the tracks in South Jersey, leading to the death of the train's operator and injuring nearly two dozen passengers.

The River Line train, which was heading south from Trenton, struck the tree near the Roebling station in Mansfield Township just after 6 a.m. This collision caused significant damage to the front car of the train, shattering its window and leaving the tree partially lodged underneath the train.

New Jersey Transit confirmed in a statement that the train's operator was the sole fatality in the accident. The impact of the collision resulted in injuries to 23 other individuals on board. Emergency services were promptly on the scene to assist the injured passengers and to clear the wreckage from the site.

This unfortunate event highlights the potential dangers that even seemingly minor obstructions can pose to public transit systems, as well as the importance of maintaining clear tracks to ensure the safety of commuters and transit workers alike. The specific cause of the tree's presence on the tracks is yet to be determined as investigations continue.