LONG ISLAND, New York — Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) service has been suspended in both directions east of Babylon on the Montauk Branch after a person was struck by a train east of Sayville on Thursday afternoon, prompting a major emergency response and significant disruptions for evening commuters.
According to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), train service on the affected section of the Montauk Branch was halted while emergency personnel responded to the scene and railroad officials conducted the necessary safety assessments. Authorities have not yet released information regarding the identity or condition of the individual involved.
The suspension has resulted in widespread delays affecting several trains traveling along the Montauk Branch. Commuters heading to destinations east of Babylon are being advised to expect extended travel times and to make alternate travel arrangements where possible.
Among the trains impacted by the disruption are:
4:07 p.m. Penn Station to Montauk — Operating approximately 35 to 40 minutes behind schedule.
4:27 p.m. Long Island City to Patchogue — Delayed east of Sayville.
4:30 p.m. Hunterspoint Avenue to Montauk — Delayed at Sayville.
5:13 p.m. Penn Station to Montauk — Delayed at Babylon.
The MTA has warned that additional trains scheduled during the evening commute may also experience delays or service adjustments as crews continue their work at the scene.
Passengers traveling on the Montauk Branch are encouraged to consider alternate routes, including the Ronkonkoma Branch, if their destination allows. Riders are also advised to allow extra travel time and monitor service updates before departing.
Transit officials recommend checking the MTA website or the MYmta mobile app for the latest information regarding train schedules, delays, and service restorations. Real-time alerts will continue to be issued as the situation develops.
Service on the Montauk Branch is expected to resume once emergency responders have completed their work, investigators have cleared the scene, and railroad personnel have determined that it is safe to restore operations.
Authorities have not released additional details about the incident, and the investigation remains ongoing. Further updates are expected as more information becomes available.