By: Richard L. Smith
NJ Transit Police are investigating after a man died early Tuesday morning when he came into contact with an overhead electrical wire used to power trains in Newark, according to information released by NJ Transit.
The incident occurred at approximately 2:25 a.m. near the Bathgate Place and 7th Avenue bridge crossing, where an adult male trespasser was found unresponsive on the railroad tracks.
NJ Transit officials said police and emergency medical personnel responded to the scene and determined the man had died after making contact with a catenary wire, the high-voltage overhead wire system that supplies electricity to trains.
A preliminary investigation indicates the victim was not struck by a train.
Train service was temporarily suspended while crews repaired the damaged catenary wire. Service later resumed.
NJ Transit describes catenary wires as part of the overhead electrical network that powers electric trains and notes the system is essential for safe and reliable rail operations.