Brooklyn man arrested for driving on LIRR tracks, causing fire and delays. Learn more about the shocking incident, legal charges, and impact on train services.
Brooklyn man arrested for driving on LIRR tracks, causing fire and delays. Learn more about the shocking incident, legal charges, and impact on train services.
Brooklyn Man Arrested for Driving on LIRR Tracks, Causing Fire and Major Delays
New York – A Brooklyn man, Basilio Hidalgo, 40, has been arrested for driving his SUV onto the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) tracks, leading to a fiery accident and significant train delays.
Details of the Incident
The shocking incident occurred on Sunday, Dec. 8, around 4:52 p.m., according to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority Police Department (MTAPD). Hidalgo drove approximately half a mile east along the tracks, causing extensive damage to the third rail and other track infrastructure.
The vehicle, a black Honda SUV, entered the tracks west of the Elmont-UBS Arena station. It came to a stop near Bellerose Station after its tires were severely damaged and caught fire.
Emergency Response
The Floral Park Fire Department promptly arrived to extinguish the blaze. The SUV was eventually removed from the tracks by 8:30 p.m., allowing repair crews to begin restoring the damaged infrastructure.
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| Brooklyn Driver Sparks Chaos: SUV on LIRR Tracks Causes Fire and Major Train Delays |
Legal Charges
Hidalgo faces multiple charges, including:
- Driving while intoxicated (DUI)
- First-degree reckless endangerment
- Third-degree criminal trespassing
Impact on Train Services
The incident disrupted multiple LIRR train lines, causing delays on the Ronkonkoma, Port Jefferson, and Oyster Bay branches. Service on the Hempstead Branch resumed 10 minutes after the car’s removal.
Witness Reactions
Passengers expressed concern over the dangerous situation. "It’s unsettling and very dangerous," one LIRR rider told ABC 7 New York. "If you were on a train during something like this, you’d be terrified."
Video Footage of the Incident
A video shared on Instagram shows the SUV bouncing along the tracks near the Elmont-UBS Arena station. The footage highlights the bizarre and dangerous nature of the incident.
Ongoing Investigation
MTAPD continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the event. Repairs to the damaged tracks are underway to ensure the safe operation of LIRR trains.
FAQs About the Incident
1. What caused the fire on the LIRR tracks?
The fire started after the SUV’s tires were severely damaged while driving on the tracks.
2. How long were train services disrupted?
Train delays lasted several hours, but service on some branches resumed shortly after the vehicle was removed.
3. What charges is the driver facing?