South Plainfield, New Jersey — December 16 — Due to a reported automobile versus train incident, the South Plainfield Volunteer Fire Department, with its headquarters located at 123 Maple Avenue, was called to the Front Street train crossing.

When Engine 4 and Rescue 1 arrived, they discovered a Tesla that had been hit by an eastbound goods train. Before the fire crew arrived, every passenger had gotten out of the car. About a quarter mile down the tracks, Engine 4 personnel made contact with the train engineer and conductor to verify the train was completely stopped and to check for injuries. For rail safety, road flares were positioned on the second track. Concerns about lithium-ion batteries prompted a request to the Middlesex County Firefighters Association (IAFF Local 3451). Police from Norfolk Southern responded after the car was de-energized.