SUV driver’s joyride on New York railroad tracks ends in fiery wreck: police

A New York City man, Basilio Hidalgo, found himself in hot water after allegedly taking his SUV on an intoxicated joyride along train tracks that ended with the vehicle catching fire. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority Police Department reported that the incident occurred around 4:52 p.m. on a Sunday when Hidalgo drove his SUV onto the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) tracks, causing chaos and destruction.

Photos of the aftermath showed Hidalgo’s SUV being lifted with a crane from the train tracks, highlighting the reckless nature of his actions. The MTAPD revealed that Hidalgo drove approximately “half a mile east” on the tracks before the vehicle’s tires became severely damaged and caught fire. Officers observed the black Honda SUV stopped on the Main Line tracks between Bellerose and Floral Park Stations.

The driver eventually stopped “just east of the Bellerose Station” as the fire started. The incident caused significant damage to the third rail and other track infrastructure, illustrating the dangers of Hidalgo’s actions. In a viral video of the incident, the SUV is seen careening across the tracks, creating a hazardous situation for both himself and others.

Hidalgo was arrested and charged with first-degree reckless endangerment, third-degree criminal trespassing, and driving while intoxicated. Thankfully, he was taken into custody without incident. This irresponsible act not only put his own life at risk but also endangered the lives of others who use the train tracks for commuting.

The MTAPD is continuing to investigate the incident to determine the full extent of the damage caused by Hidalgo’s reckless behavior. It serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible driving and the severe consequences of driving under the influence. Let this serve as a cautionary tale to others to think twice before making dangerous decisions behind the wheel.