A Long Island Rail Road train smashed into a car at a railroad crossing Monday evening, triggering a fiery crash that left the vehicle completely destroyed and injured three passengers, according to authorities. The dramatic collision occurred at approximately 7:15 p.m. at the Little East Neck Road crossing, just east of the Pinelawn station.

MTA Police said the Ronkonkoma-bound passenger train was traveling east from Jamaica when it struck the car, igniting flames that quickly engulfed the vehicle. Emergency crews responded to the scene and extinguished the fire as passengers were evacuated from the train.

Three passengers sustained injuries in the incident, though authorities reported that none of the injuries were believed to be life-threatening. The driver of the car was also evaluated at the scene as investigators worked to determine how the vehicle ended up on the tracks at the time of the collision.

Rail service in the area was temporarily disrupted while crews cleared debris and conducted safety inspections. Officials reminded motorists to exercise extreme caution at railroad crossings, obey warning signals, and never attempt to cross tracks when a train is approaching.

The incident underscores the dangers posed at rail crossings and the devastating consequences that can result from even a brief lapse in judgment. Investigators continue to review the circumstances surrounding the crash.