Hackensack Train Death Sparks Lawsuit Claiming Unsafe Railroad Crossing Conditions
Hackensack Train Death Sparks Lawsuit Claiming Unsafe Railroad Crossing Conditions
The husband of a 79-year-old Hackensack woman who was killed in a train collision last summer has filed a lawsuit against NJ Transit and several other public agencies, claiming that unsafe conditions at a railroad crossing contributed to the fatal incident.
According to court filings, Luz E. Lopez, a resident of Hackensack, lost her life after being struck by a Pascack Valley Line train on the morning of August 7, 2025. The incident occurred near the intersection of Essex Street and Railroad Avenue, close to the Essex Street Station in Hackensack.
The lawsuit, filed in Bergen County Superior Court on May 21, argues that the railroad crossing where the tragedy occurred was in poor condition and presented safety risks to pedestrians. The legal complaint alleges that hazardous conditions existed at the crossing and that those conditions played a role in the fatal accident.
A number of entities have been named as defendants in the case. In addition to NJ Transit, the lawsuit includes the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, several city and county agencies, and unidentified train operators listed as John Does.
The complaint further claims that the crossing lacked adequate warning systems and signaling devices designed to protect pedestrians and alert them to approaching trains. The lawsuit also accuses NJ Transit of failing to properly hire, train, and supervise employees, allegations that the plaintiff believes contributed to the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident.
Through the lawsuit, the victim’s husband is seeking a jury trial. The legal filing requests compensatory damages, reimbursement of funeral expenses, financial losses, legal costs, and other relief that may be awarded by the court.
The case has renewed attention on railroad crossing safety in Hackensack, particularly along the Pascack Valley Line. Following the incident, city officials publicly called for increased safety measures at rail crossings within municipal limits.
Rich Malagerie, attorney for the City of Hackensack, said city leaders have consistently pushed for stronger infrastructure safety improvements at local railroad crossings. He also expressed sympathy for the family of Luz Lopez and for others affected by the tragedy.
NJ Transit declined to comment on the pending litigation.
The fatal incident involving Lopez was not the only train-related death reported in the area during that period. Roughly one week later, another person was struck and killed by a train on the same rail line near Anderson Street Station, approximately one mile from the location of Lopez’s death.
In response to those incidents, Hackensack officials sent an open letter to NJ Transit’s Agency Safety Management Department requesting immediate action to review and address potentially dangerous conditions along the Pascack Valley Line. City representatives have since held multiple discussions with NJ Transit regarding rail crossing safety concerns and possible improvements.
The lawsuit remains pending in Bergen County Superior Court, where the claims and allegations will be reviewed through the legal process. No court ruling has been issued, and the allegations contained in the complaint have not been proven in court.
As the case moves forward, it is expected to draw continued attention to railroad crossing safety, infrastructure maintenance, and pedestrian protection measures in communities served by commuter rail systems throughout New Jersey.
Sources
- Bergen County Superior Court filing (May 21, 2026)
- NJ Transit statements and public records
- City of Hackensack official statements regarding railroad crossing safety initiatives
- Public information related to the August 7, 2025 train incident in Hackensack and subsequent municipal safety discussions
