MTA: Car Struck by Train After Driver Ignored Warning Signals

By Heather Doyle (Patch Staff)

A car was struck by a train in East Rockaway Monday after the driver ignored warning signals and drove onto the tracks, according to Metropolitan Transit Authority Police.

At 12:25 p.m., a westbound Long Island Rail Road train was leaving the Centre Avenue station when it struck a Toyota Highlander at the Rocklyn Avenue crossing, officials said.

Ignoring flashing lights and warning bells, the driver, an unnamed elderly woman, drove forward as the crossing gates came down, witnesses said. The rear of the car was still on the tracks and was struck by the oncoming train, MTA said.

The driver survived but was brought to South Nassau Communities Hospital after complaining of neck and back pain, officials said.

No one aboard the train was reportedly injured. The train was removed from service and passengers were transferred to the next westbound train, officials said.

Service on the Long Beach LIRR branch was suspended in both directions until 2 p.m.

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