LIRR services disrupted due to fiery crash caused by intoxicated driver on train tracks.
In a significant disruption to Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) services, numerous trains experienced delays on Tuesday morning following an incident involving a vehicle on the tracks. According to authorities, a 29-year-old man from Port Washington, identified as Jorge Ferrer Hidalgo, crashed his car into the LIRR tracks near the Farmingdale station around 1:15 a.m. The vehicle subsequently ignited, leading to a substantial emergency response.
Responding officers discovered Hidalgo’s white Subaru engulfed in flames. Fortunately, the driver managed to escape unharmed from the wreckage. He was taken into custody without incident and faces three counts of driving while intoxicated. Hidalgo is scheduled to be arraigned on Tuesday in Hempstead.
The incident necessitated a partial suspension of services on the Ronkonkoma branch as first responders worked to extinguish the fire and remove the severely damaged vehicle from the railway. Reports indicate that the flames were extinguished by approximately 3 a.m., after which operations began to slowly resume.
Despite the restoration of service, riders experienced residual delays ranging from 15 to 80 minutes throughout the morning hours. Normal operations were reportedly back in place by the afternoon, according to information released by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).
This incident adds to a series of problematic events affecting the same LIRR branch. Just the previous week, a train was involved in a collision with a vehicle that had stalled on the tracks near Farmingdale. In that instance, the passengers of the stalled car escaped prior to impact, though three train passengers sustained injuries.
The recent incidents underscore ongoing concerns regarding railway safety and the challenges posed by highway and public transport intersections. The LIRR continues to face scrutiny from commuters and safety advocates calling for enhanced measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.
As authorities continue to investigate the specifics of Tuesday’s crash, the LIRR has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety and reliability of its services for all passengers. The incident highlights the importance of vigilance and responsibility among all drivers, particularly in proximity to active railway lines. As the region navigates these transportation issues, it remains essential for both authorities and commuters to engage in safe practices to minimize risks.
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