LIRR, prepping for snowstorm, sees service disrupted by crash
First responders gathered near the Fifth Avenue LIRR crossing in Brentwood Friday after a vehicle struck a train. Credit: Paul Mazza
Even before the snowstorm could disrupt service, several Long Island Rail Road trains on the Ronkonkoma branch were canceled or delayed Friday after a train struck a vehicle in Brentwood, according to the MTA.
First responders, including police, fire and EMS, responded to the Fifth Avenue LIRR crossing at about 3:15 p.m. Photographs from the scene show railroad crossing equipment knocked to the ground and a badly damaged, overturned vehicle next to the tracks.
There were no injuries to train passengers or crew. The driver was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and about 50 passengers were taken off the train onto the Brentwood station platform and put on the next eastbound train. Service was restored.
The LIRR said that around 6 p.m., as snow began to fall, it was operating with major delays on one of two tracks between Deer Park and Central Islip.
Earlier Friday, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority said its crews were being deployed "proactively" to keep service functioning during the evening snowstorm, spreading salt, clearing surfaces at stations and platforms and readying equipment needed to de-ice signals, switches and third-rail surfaces.
All planned maintenance work was postponed for the duration of the storm so crews could focus on snow-clearing operations, the MTA said in a statement.
Forecasts called for snowfall of up to 9 inches on Long Island beginning at sunset Friday and continuing into early Saturday.
"Long Island Rail Road crews will be out across the service territory working to keep trains moving with equipment on hand to be able to respond quickly as conditions warrant," the statement said.
The MTA warns generally on its website that accumulation of more than 8 inches of snow may cause reduced service, particularly on express tracks. More than 12 inches has the potential to suspend service.
"De-icing trains will be running to keep third rails clear of snow and ice, while crews are strategically positioned throughout the system helping to keep switches clear and operable," the MTA's Friday statement said. "In addition, switch heaters will be activated to prevent track switches from freezing using natural gas burners and electrical heating elements."
Waiting rooms at stations will remain open during the storm, the MTA said.
The MTA advised LIRR riders to monitor service through its TrainTime app, which provides real-time updates on delays and cancellations.
Riders can also check on potential service issues through the MTA app, as well as on the MTA website or by dialing 511.
Newsday's Robert Brodsky contributed to this story.
John Valenti, a Newsday reporter since 1981, has been honored nationally by the Associated Press, Society of the Silurians and National Headliner Awards for investigative, enterprise and breaking news reporting, as well as column writing. He is the author of “Swee'pea,” about New York playground basketball star Lloyd Daniels. His debut crime novel, “For Nothing Is Hidden,” rooted in 1950s Long Island, was released in October 2025.
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