A Long Island man faces multiple charges after allegedly driving an SUV onto the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) tracks while intoxicated, resulting in a fiery incident. 40-year-old Basilio Hidalgo was apprehended by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority Police Department (MTAPD) on Sunday afternoon.
According to the MTAPD, Hidalgo drove roughly half a mile eastbound on the tracks between Bellerose and Floral Park Stations before the SUV came to a halt. The vehicle's tires sustained severe damage and caught fire, prompting a response from authorities. Images from the scene depict the charred vehicle being hoisted from the tracks by a crane.

The incident originated when Hidalgo drove onto the Main Line tracks from a grade-level crossing west of the Elmont-UBS Arena station, as per investigators. The vehicle ultimately stopped just east of Bellerose Station, where the fire erupted. A video circulating online captures the SUV moving along the tracks.

The incident caused substantial damage to the third rail and other track infrastructure. Hidalgo was taken into custody without incident and charged with first-degree reckless endangerment, third-degree criminal trespassing, and driving while intoxicated (DWI).

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