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Catenary wires

Man killed after contact with railroad catenary wire

The incident briefly impacted NJ Transit’s Morris & Essex line.

Toniann Antonelli

Jul 14, 2026, 8:18 AM

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A man was killed after coming in contact with a wire used to power trains in Newark.

A New Jersey Transit spokesperson told News 12 that the adult male trespasser was found unresponsive on the railroad tracks at the Bathgate Place and 7th Avenue bridge crossing in Newark at about 2:25 a.m. Tuesday.

“Upon arrival, police and EMS determined the adult male was deceased after coming into contact with a catenary wire,” the spokesperson said.

Following a preliminary investigation, NJ Transit police do not believe the man was struck by a train.

Following the incident, trains were stopped for a short time, but service later resumed after the damaged catenary wire was repaired.

According to the NJ Transit website, a catenary wire is “part of a network of overhead wires used to supply electric power to trains. The term ‘catenary’ refers to the specific curve that the overhead wire forms.” NJ Transit says the wires are “crucial for maintaining efficient and reliable train operations.”

No additional injuries were reported, and NJ Transit police are continuing to investigate.

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