The operator of a New Jersey Transit Light Rail train died when the train she was driving struck a tree on the tracks, according to officials.

They say the crash also injured 23 passengers on the train.

Officials say it happened along the River Line early Monday morning in Burlington County.

New Jersey Transit says the train was traveling in the area of Mansfield at 6 a.m. when it hit the tree. The tree smashed through the windshield, resulting in the death of the female operator.

Officials say 23 passengers suffered minor injuries. Some had to be taken off the train by stretcher to ambulances, waiting for them along nearby Route 130.

NJ Transit says the River Line was traveling from the Trenton station to the Roebling Station. The crash suspended service, which meant riders were being bused, causing significant delays.

One of those dealing with delays was commuter Gina Brown.

“I think it is absolutely horrifying,” Brown said. "I just feel terrible for the people on there had to experience that."

Brown had just stepped off a bus that traveled from Trenton to the Roebling station when she explained she knew the operator who died.

“She was the loveliest one…Occasionally, you get a driver who touches your life and touches your heart,” says Brown. “She was outgoing, energetic. Every morning she said hi to everyone.”

Brown and other commuters said that the buses that replaced the River Line have not been nearly as convenient. Riders have been delayed and arriving late to work.

“Usually it takes 16 minutes from Trenton to here on the River Line. Today it was almost two hours,” says Brown.

Khalfani Austin, of Roebling, waited about an hour for a bus to pick him up at the Roebling Station. He was headed to work.

“It doesn’t surprise me. There are a lot of issues with the River Line,” he says.

The name of the light rail operator has not yet been released.