by railtrailbiker
Train strikes car; driver 'critical'http://www.app.com/app/story/0,21625,1049739,00.html
Published in the Asbury Park Press 9/13/04
By KEITH BROWN
COASTAL MONMOUTH BUREAU
ASBURY PARK -- An Ocean Township man was in critical condition at a local hospital last night after his car was struck by a New Jersey Transit train, authorities said.
Bernard Hershman, 84, was struck shortly before 3 p.m. by a northbound North Jersey Coast Line train while driving west on Fourth Avenue, said Ken Hitchner, spokesman for NJ Transit.
Hershman was seriously injured in the crash and was rushed to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, Hitchner said.
At 7 p.m., he was listed in critical condition, according to Police Sgt. David DeSane.
DeSane said Hershman drove a 2003 Ford Taurus around the safety arms blocking the railroad crossing and was hit by the train, which originated in Bay Head and was heading to Long Branch. The man was the only occupant of the tan sedan, he said.
There were 45 people on train 4744 when it struck Hershman's car. They were all bused to their destinations, Hitchner said.
The collision shut down southbound train service at the Asbury Park station for about an hour. Northbound service was closed for three hours, he said.
Passengers heading in either direction were bused around the accident scene until southbound train service resumed around 4 p.m. and regular northbound service began around 7 p.m., he said.
Hitchner and DeSane said the accident is still under investigation.
The safety arms at the railroad crossing will be checked for proper function, Hitchner said.
Keith Brown: (732) 643-4076 or [email protected]
