Commuter train derailment snarls New York traffic

SECAUCUS, N.J. -- A New Jersey Transit commuter train lost a wheel Monday morning and two cars derailed, delaying thousands of travelers in the busy corridor between Newark and New York.

Twelve people were treated at hospitals and released, hospital officials said.

The cars derailed but remained upright shortly before 8 a.m. near Secaucus, about 5 miles west of New York.

The 12-car train was carrying about 1,200 people, transit officials said.

Tim Donnelly, a passenger, said he heard a scraping sound and then the train "made a hard stop."

"There was a little bit of panic right when the cars derailed," said Donnelly, of Upper Southampton, Pa..

New Jersey Transit's executive director, George Warrington, said the search for the cause of the accident focused on mechanical failure, but he could not rule out other factors, including human error. A definitive ruling is expected within a few days.

The railroad said it would inspect 230 similar cars for wheel problems.

The accident caused extensive delays for New Jersey Transit and Amtrak for much of the day.

Only one track remained open to handle both north and southbound traffic, said Amtrak spokeswoman Karina VanVeen.