Seven dead as commuter train hits car near New York City

An official uses a flashlight as he looks inside the damaged car of a commuter train which struck a vehicle in Mount Pleasant, near Valhalla, New York February 3, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]

The Harlem Line is part of the Metro-North Railroad commuter rail service, which runs five lines.

Other Metro-North trains have been involved in accidents in recent years.

One derailed near the northern edge of New York city on Dec 1, 2013, killing four and injuring 70. It was traveling nearly three times over the speed limit for the section of track where it crashed, investigators said.

Astorino made a distinction between that crash, which was the result of a train employee error, and Tuesday's accident. But he said the latest incident was still under investigation.

Earlier that year two Metro-North passenger trains collided between Fairfield and Bridgeport, Connecticut, injuring more than 70 people and halting services.