Person struck and killed by LIRR train near Hicksville station, MTA says

A person was fatally struck by a train east of the Hicksville station on Tuesday morning, briefly snarling Long Island Rail Road service.

The MTA was reporting on-time service its Ronkonkoma Branch just before noon after the morning collision caused some delays approaching an hour.

The incident had forced a partial suspension on the branch, with "some trains" holding in place, the railroad said.

The railroad could not immediately provide details of the incident, citing the ongoing investigation by MTA Police, but confirmed the victim had died.

The train in question resumed its eastbound route after a 50-minute delay.

It had stopped short, just south of New South Road, after the impact. The train was shut down, cutting the engine and the air conditioning. Passengers made calls to family and employers, letting them know their predicament. LIRR staff did not allow passengers to leave the train.

Around 9:47 a.m. a LIRR train conductor on a Ronkonkoma-bound train told passengers that "we will be held here for awhile." A conductor offered water to anyone in need.

An MTA officer could be seen walking the train and the tracks. Another official asked if anyone needs any medical assistance, while apologizing about the temperature on the train.

Newsday's Joshua Solomon contributed to this story

By John Valenti

john.valenti@newsday.com

John Valenti, a reporter at Newsday since 1981, has been honored nationally by the Associated Press and Society of the Silurians for investigative, enterprise and breaking news reporting, as well as column writing, and is the author of “Swee'pea,” a book about former New York playground basketball star Lloyd Daniels. Valenti is featured in the Emmy Award-winning ESPN 30-for-30 film “Big Shot.”