Freight Train Derails in Newark, Injures Two
A Norfolk Southern freight train derailment near Doremus Avenue struck a utility pole and a garbage truck, sending two people to the hospital.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Transportation
A freight train derailed early Monday in Newark, with two derailed Norfolk Southern containers striking a utility pole and a garbage truck. The driver and passenger of the garbage truck were taken to University Hospital with minor injuries.
Why it matters
The derailment disrupted utility service and local traffic, requiring repairs to a damaged utility pole and removal of derailed containers near residential and commercial streets in Newark. Street closures around Doremus, Wilson and Roanoke avenues are affecting residents and motorists across the city.
Two Norfolk Southern containers derailed, striking one utility pole and one garbage truck, with two people taken to University Hospital with minor injuries. No other injuries have been reported, and the cause of the derailment has not been identified.
The players
Norfolk Southern
Norfolk Southern is a major U.S. freight railroad whose train's containers derailed in Newark.
PSE&G
Public Service Electric and Gas is New Jersey's largest utility, whose crews are repairing the damaged utility pole.
University Hospital
University Hospital is the major academic medical center in Newark that treated the two injured people.
The details
Police and firefighters responded to the derailment near 300 Doremus Avenue around 3:12 a.m. PSE&G crews are repairing the damaged utility pole while crews remove the derailed containers, and street closures remain in effect around Doremus, Wilson and Roanoke avenues.
Timeline
3:12 a.m. Monday: Police and firefighters respond to the derailment in Newark.
Through at least midday Monday: Heavy traffic expected from street closures around Doremus, Wilson and Roanoke avenues.
Industry Dynamics
Freight derailments are tracked nationally by the Federal Railroad Administration, and this Newark incident adds to that record of rail accidents affecting surrounding infrastructure. Incidents involving freight cars striking utility poles and roadway vehicles illustrate the exposure of urban rail corridors to the public.
Residents and drivers near Doremus, Wilson and Roanoke avenues should expect street closures and heavy traffic through at least midday. Anyone in the area should follow posted detours while crews repair the utility pole and remove the derailed containers.
The takeaway
Rail incidents in dense urban areas can quickly disrupt utilities and traffic, so drivers near rail corridors should monitor official street closure notices and allow extra travel time.
Further reading
For more on rail and freight logistics, see Transportation coverage on Wisevoter.
