On Wednesday, March 18, at about 3:53 p.m., a Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) train fatally struck a person who was on the tracks. The person was pronounced dead by medical officials shortly after, and the investigation is ongoing for the Freeport and Metro Transportation Authority (MTA) police departments.
Train 257 with scheduled service from Babylon to Grand Central Madison, was traveling west when the victim, who was not authorized to be on the tracks, was struck by the train as it entered Freeport Station.
According to MTA First Deputy Communications Director Renee Price, the preliminary investigation conducted by first responders included reviewing video evidence and witness statements. The MTA does not suspect any criminality being involved in this accident after its initial investigation, although investigators are continuing to review evidence.
No further injuries occurred to the train crew or its passengers, said Price.
The victim, who is still pending identification by officials, was pronounced dead on arrival at the scene of the accident by Northwell Health Emergency Medical Services. The Freeport Police and Fire departments assisted the MTA Police Department in its immediate response.
About 200 passengers were on board Train 257 at the time of the accident, and all were able to detrain safely at the Freeport station and board other LIRR trains to complete their journeys.
This accident reportedly caused major delays or cancellations to trains on the Babylon Branch. Price, however, stated that service has returned "on or close to schedule" for the Babylon Branch.
