In the quiet dusk of a Long Island evening, a tragedy unfolded that would leave a community grappling with loss and unanswered questions. Lucien Jean, a 62-year-old resident of Wyandanch, lost his life when his car was struck by a Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) train near Pinelawn Station in East Farmingdale. The devastating collision, which occurred just before 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 17, 2025, has cast a somber shadow over the area, as investigators work to piece together the circumstances that led to this fatal incident.
Jean was alone in his vehicle when the westbound LIRR train, traveling at approximately 75 to 80 miles per hour, slammed into it at the Wellwood Avenue crossing. The train, which had departed Ronkonkoma at 7:56 p.m. and was en route to Penn Station, was operating within the 80-mile-per-hour speed limit for that stretch of track. The impact was catastrophic, splitting the car in half and igniting a fire that required swift action from the MTA Police Department, the LIRR Fire Marshal, and the East Farmingdale Volunteer Fire Company to extinguish. The vehicle burst into flames, and Jean, the sole occupant, was pronounced dead at the scene. None of the approximately 100 passengers or crew members aboard the train were injured, though one train car sustained significant damage.
Preliminary investigations reveal that the car had come to a stop on the tracks, despite the crossing gates being fully lowered and flashing, as confirmed by video surveillance and event recorders at the crossing. Authorities have yet to determine why Jean’s vehicle remained stationary, a question that lies at the heart of the ongoing investigation. The LIRR has emphasized that all safety mechanisms, including the crossing gates and the train’s horn, which sounded as it approached, were functioning as intended. The incident has prompted renewed calls for public awareness about the dangers of railroad crossings, with LIRR President Rob Free underscoring the importance of adhering to safety signals.
The collision caused extensive damage to the LIRR’s infrastructure, including the running rail, third rail, and signal systems, leading to immediate service disruptions. Both eastbound and westbound service on the Ronkonkoma Branch was suspended between Hicksville and Ronkonkoma, affecting thousands of commuters. Crews worked through the night, and by 2:30 a.m. on Friday, one of the two tracks was restored, allowing limited service to resume for the morning commute. Full service was restored by 11 a.m. on Friday, a testament to the dedication of approximately 100 LIRR employees who labored to repair the damage.
Pinelawn Station, located on Long Island Avenue just east of Wellwood Avenue, primarily serves off-peak local trains on the Ronkonkoma Branch and is known for its proximity to Pinelawn Cemetery and other nearby burial grounds. The station’s quiet, unassuming setting belies the severity of the incident, which has left the community in mourning. Jean’s identity was released by authorities on Friday evening, prompting an outpouring of grief from neighbors and local residents who described him as a familiar figure in Wyandanch.
As the investigation continues, the tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the critical importance of vigilance at railroad crossings. The LIRR and local authorities are urging drivers to heed warning signals and avoid lingering on tracks, a message that resonates now more than ever in the wake of this heartbreaking loss. For the family and friends of Lucien Jean, and for a community left to process this sudden tragedy, the road to healing will be long, but the memory of a life lost will endure.