LIRR service resumes on Ronkonkoma Branch after train hits car, setting it on fire

The Long Island Rail Road has resumed full service on its Ronkonkoma Branch after an eastbound train hit a vehicle Monday night east of Farmingdale, setting it on fire.

There were no injuries to occupants of the vehicle, who had gotten out of the stalled car, officials said. An MTA Police investigation is ongoing.

At least three people on the train were treated for minor injures, police said.

The railroad announced Tuesday that trains running between Farmingdale and Ronkonkoma were running with expected delays as trains are rerouted around the crash site on one of two tracks between Farmingdale and Deer Park.

For example, the 7:08 a.m. train from Ronkonkoma to Grand Central originated out of Farmingdale Tuesday at about 7:36 a.m. 

The 7:45 a.m. trains from Ronkonkoma to Penn Station were to originate out of Farmingdale at about 8:12 a.m. and 8:51 a.m. respectively.

Bus service is available between Farmingdale and Ronkonkoma, the railroad said.

No trains were running in either direction on the Ronkonkoma Branch following the 7:13 p.m. collision, an MTA spokesperson told Newsday via email. The eastbound train struck a vehicle at the Little East Neck Road crossing east of the Pinelawn station.

Members of the East Farmingdale Volunteer Fire Company treated one of the train's passengers at the scene, and transported two others to Good Samaritan University Hospital, the spokesperson said. The other passengers were escorted off the train and onto buses to continue to Ronkonkoma.

In an unrelated LIRR issue, two westbound trains on the Port Jefferson Branch were canceled due to equipment problems.

The 7:47 a.m. from Westbury to Atlantic Terminal was canceled. The railroad said riders should take the 7:36 a.m. to Jamaica. For service to Brooklyn, riders should transfer at Jamaica.

And, the 8:14 a.m. train from Hicksville to Penn Station has been canceled. Riders can take the 8:12 a.m. train from Farmingdale to Penn Station instead.

Check back for updates on this developing story.