3 Dead After NYC-Bound LIRR Train Slams Into Truck

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NEW YORK — Three people were killed when a Long Island Rail Road train struck a vehicle on the tracks Tuesday.

The train, which was bound for Manhattan, was approaching the Westbury station when it hit a truck. After the collision, the train derailed and crashed into a platform before catching fire.

First responders arrived and confirmed three people were dead.

“Service on the Ronkonkoma, Port Jefferson and Oyster Bay branches is suspended in both directions due to fire department activity east of Westbury,” the LIRR tweeted at 7:28 p.m.

“Service is suspended on the Ronkonkoma and Huntington/Port Jefferson Branches in both directions. The 6:36PM train from Ronkonkoma due Penn at 7:56PM is disabled near the School Street crossing in Westbury after striking a truck that was on the tracks.”

“Police and emergency personnel are on scene. We advise customers to take alternate branches including the Babylon, Montauk or Hempstead branches.”


New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said he is calling for an investigation:

“Earlier this evening, two Long Island Rail Road trains traveling in opposite directions along the Main Line near Westbury Station collided with a vehicle.

“MTA Managing Director Ronnie Hakim, Long Island Rail Road President Phil Eng and MTA Chief of Police Owen Monaghan are currently on scene along with New York State Police and personnel from the Office of Emergency Management and Office of Fire Prevention and Control. Initial reports indicate that three occupants of the vehicle were killed and seven people on the trains have been transported to local hospitals with non-fatal injuries. Main Line service in both directions has been suspended while officials assess the damage.

“As we continue to gather information surrounding the incident, my heart goes out to the victims and their loved ones. In the wake of this tragedy, I am calling for a full investigation into the collision, including with the complete cooperation of the MTA, State Police, local law enforcement and the NTSB.”

It was unclear if the victims were aboard the train or inside the vehicle. An investigation is underway.

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