Drunk Driver Arrested After SUV Catches Fire on Long Island Rail Tracks

Basilio Hidalgo, 40, drove half a mile along LIRR tracks, causing delays and damage before being taken into custody.

Basilio Hidalgo, a 40-year-old Brooklyn resident, was arrested after driving his SUV on the Long Island Rail Road tracks while allegedly intoxicated.
The incident occurred near the Elmont-UBS Arena station, where Hidalgo drove approximately half a mile before his vehicle's tires caught fire.
The SUV caused significant damage to the tracks, including the third rail, leading to service disruptions across multiple LIRR branches.
Firefighters extinguished the blaze, and the vehicle was removed using specialized equipment designed for train tracks.
Hidalgo faces charges including first-degree reckless endangerment, third-degree criminal trespassing, and driving while intoxicated.