Unauthorized vehicle on tracks struck by Long Island Railroad

CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. (AP) — A Long Island Rail Road train struck a vehicle on the tracks near Central Islip, forcing the evacuation of about 500 passengers and causing suspension of service between Farmingdale and Ronkonkoma.

Officials say no injuries were reported in the collision, which happened on Carleton Avenue just after 5:30 p.m. Sunday and involved a Ronkonkoma-bound train.

A railroad spokeswoman told Newsday (http://nwsdy.li/2eDoWvN ) that buses were sent to transport the stranded passengers. She said ladders were used to help the passengers off the train, which did not derail.

The vehicle was burned, but it wasn't clear if the fire was caused by the train's impact.

A fire official at the scene told Newsday that four people managed to get out of the vehicle before it was struck.

Service was suspended between Farmingdale and Ronkonkoma as tweeted by the Long Island Railroad, but has since resumed.

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Information from: Newsday, http://www.newsday.com