NTSB Corrects Info: Man Didn't Fall Through LIRR Gap

The National Transportation Safety Board, which is investigating the death of a Lynbrook man at the village's LIRR station earlier this month, has clarified its findings, saying that the man did not fall in the gap between the train and the platform.

An NTSB spokesman said the initial information the board gave out, that the man fell between the train and platform and was run over, was incorrect. The man, whom the LIRR identified as Karl Aarseth, 65, of Lynbrook, did stumble and fall against the train, the NTSB said.

However, Aarseth did not fall in the gap. The NTSB said that after he stumbled, he somehow became entangled in the train and was dragged along the platform. One of the conductors saw him and tried to stop the train, but Aarseth died before it could be stopped.

The NTSB said that the investigation into the death is ongoing, and that a report won't be ready for a long while. The investigations sometimes take 12 to 24 months to complete.

"Safety is the LIRR's top priority, and our hearts go out to all those who knew [Karl Aarseth,]" said MTA Spokesman Aaron Donovan. "In order to understand what happened and how similar events might be prevented, we are fully participating in the federal investigation into this tragic accident."

Photo: Patch