A Metro-North Railroad train crashed through the barrier at the end of the New Canaan branch line Tuesday morning.
A train crashes through the end barrier on the New Canaan branch line on the morning of Feb. 14, 2023. Credit: Carl Franco, https://twitter.com/FrancosWine
It wasn’t immediately clear whether the conductor was injured in the crash, which occurred at about 7:23 a.m. near the corner of Elm and Park Streets, according to a fire dispatch notice. Metro-North Railroad when reached by the New Canaanite said only that the train “was not a passenger train” and there were no customers onboard.
It also isn’t clear what caused the crash.
A train crashes through the end barrier on the New Canaan branch line on the morning of Feb. 14, 2023. Credit: Carl Franco, https://twitter.com/FrancosWine
Traffic slowed at the busy commuter intersection and Park Street was temporarily closed, with police directing motor vehicle and pedestrian traffic around the scene. Police, fire and New Canaan Emergency Medical Services responded.
The train crashed through the wooden fence at the corner of Park and Elm, used by New Canaan organizations to advertise local events, throwing up bricks and debris onto the sidewalk, including what appeared to be a piece of the steel railway.
A train crashes through the end barrier on the New Canaan branch line on the morning of Feb. 14, 2023. Credit: Carl Franco, https://twitter.com/FrancosWine
Eyewitnesses described hearing a loud rattling noise during the crash.
According to Metro-North, train service on the New Canaan line was to resume with the 4:39 p.m. train from Stamford.
“The non-passenger train that derailed near New Canaan has been cleared,” Metro-North said in a Tweet.
NewCanaanite.com will update this article with more information as it becomes available.
Lucas , so proud of you and the CHIEFS.
KC Has been my team ever since Patrick Mahoney was QB.
We remember all the years you and your family sat together in Congregational church.
A good place to grow your faith and values with mom and dad by your side.
You sure are big.
Sheesh. All the engineer had to do was ask… would have gladly brought him his Starbucks.