LIRR: Ronkonkoma line resumes after man hit, killed by train
Service was partially suspended Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2016, on the Ronkonkoma Branch at the Wellwood Avenue crossing because a train hit and killed a man on the track. Credit: Steve Pfost
Service on the Ronkonkoma Branch was restored in both directions Wednesday after being partially suspended because an unauthorized man on the tracks was struck and killed by a train near Pinelawn Station.
No criminality was suspected in the death of the man, a 47-year-old resident of Oakdale, MTA Police said Thursday. Police said the investigation is continuing.
The service suspension Wednesday was between the Ronkonkoma and Farmingdale stations and came after the man was hit about 100 yards east of the Wellwood Avenue crossing about 9:30 a.m., the railroad said.
The LIRR restored service at about 11:30 a.m.
Emergency vehicles and police from Suffolk County and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority blocked a lane of traffic on the southbound side of Wellwood Avenue, near the section of track where the person was struck, until about noon.
An LIRR spokeswoman said the person was not authorized to be on the tracks.
Spokeswoman Meredith Daniels said a westbound train from Ronkonkoma with 700 passengers was delayed originally and that buses were dispatched to carry customers from that train.
The LIRR said delays were averaging about 20 minutes in both directions on the Ronkonkoma line.
With Víctor Manuel Ramos
Holiday celebrations around LI From house decorations and candy makers to restaurant and theater offerings, NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano checks out how Long Islanders are celebrating this holiday season.
Holiday celebrations around LI From house decorations and candy makers to restaurant and theater offerings, NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano checks out how Long Islanders are celebrating this holiday season.
