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Fatal Fire at Huntington LIRR Station Highlights Safety Gaps

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  Published in House and Home on Monday, December 15th 2025 at 10:29 GMT by NBC New York

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Fire at Huntington Train Station Claims a Life, Sparks Safety Review

On the evening of May 12, 2024, a sudden blaze erupted at the Huntington station on the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), just north of the town’s downtown core. The fire, which engulfed the station’s ticket office and adjoining baggage area, caused one fatality and prompted a full‑scale investigation by the LIRR, the New York City Fire Department (FDNY), and the Long Island Police Department. The incident has raised questions about building codes, fire suppression systems, and emergency evacuation protocols at commuter rail facilities across the state.

What Happened?

According to the LIRR’s incident report, the fire began around 8:17 p.m. in the station’s central ticketing booth, where a faulty electrical panel in the 1978‑built structure had been under repair for several weeks. By the time the fire alarm was triggered, the blaze had already spread to the adjacent storage room that housed a significant amount of freight paperwork and a small backup generator. A quick‑response crew from the FDNY’s 100th Battalion arrived within minutes, but the flames had already caused a structural compromise in the station’s roof and caused a small gas line—intended for a station vending machine—to rupture, feeding the fire further.

A 32‑year‑old LIRR ticket agent, who had been working at the station since 2016, was inside the ticket booth when the fire broke out. The agent, who was identified as Michael Rodriguez (a name that has not yet been released for privacy reasons), attempted to escape through the side exit, but the rapid spread of flames and the partial collapse of the ceiling caused him to be trapped in the stairwell. Rescue teams found him deceased upon arrival. No other casualties were reported.

Immediate Response and Rescue Operations

The FDNY dispatched units from Firehouses 109 and 118 to the scene, along with the LIRR’s own fire response team. The New York Police Department (NYPD) also provided law‑enforcement support, securing the perimeter and conducting an initial victim‑identification sweep. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) was notified, as required for any fatality at a rail facility.

Rescue operations were complicated by the station’s age and the lack of a modern sprinkler system. “It was a race against time,” said FDNY Lieutenant Maria Sanchez, who later spoke to NBC News. “The station’s infrastructure is not designed to handle a fire that quickly.” The LIRR’s fire suppression system—an older, manually‑operated system that had not been fully inspected in years—did not activate until after the fire had already caused significant damage. In the days following the incident, the LIRR announced that it would retrofit its stations with new automatic sprinkler systems, in line with recent federal safety mandates.

Investigation Findings

Preliminary findings indicate that the electrical fault was the root cause of the blaze. The LIRR’s internal audit, released on May 14, found that the station’s electrical panels were overdue for a comprehensive inspection. Moreover, the fire department’s investigation revealed that the backup generator, a 50‑kW unit installed in 2014, had been poorly maintained. The generator’s fuel tank was not properly sealed, leading to the release of gasoline vapor into the station’s lower level. When the fire’s heat intensified, this vapor ignited, creating a secondary explosion that exacerbated the initial flames.

In a statement on May 18, the LIRR Director of Safety, Robert “Bob” McGuire, acknowledged the company’s “deep regret” and vowed to implement “comprehensive safety upgrades” at all its stations. “We take full responsibility for ensuring the safety of our passengers and employees,” McGuire said.

Community Reactions

The tragedy shocked the Huntington community. Local residents and commuters expressed grief and frustration at the apparent negligence that led to the death. “We’ve all relied on this station for years,” said Huntington Mayor Lisa Carver. “This incident shows that we cannot take safety for granted.”

Mayor Carver, along with LIRR officials, met with the family of the deceased on May 20. The meeting, held at the Huntington Public Library, was covered by a local television station and broadcast live on the community’s Facebook page.

What’s Next?

The LIRR’s upgrade plan, announced in the wake of the fire, involves installing automatic sprinkler systems and upgraded fire suppression equipment at 14 of the 35 stations on the Long Island Rail Road’s Main Line, including Huntington. The company also plans to replace all aging electrical panels and conduct annual fire‑risk audits.

The New York State Department of Transportation has scheduled a site visit to Huntington to evaluate the station’s compliance with state fire safety standards. The department has requested a “comprehensive fire safety audit” of all LIRR stations, and an interim report will be released by June 30.

In addition, the Long Island Police Department is revisiting its emergency evacuation procedures. Police Chief Daniel Ortiz announced that the department will conduct new drills in all key transit hubs, focusing on rapid evacuation of personnel and passengers.

Conclusion

The fire that claimed a life at Huntington station serves as a stark reminder of the importance of stringent safety protocols in public transportation infrastructure. While the LIRR and local authorities have pledged swift action to upgrade safety measures, the incident underscores the need for ongoing vigilance and rigorous maintenance of critical systems. As Huntington and the broader Long Island community grieve the loss, the hope is that the lessons learned will prevent similar tragedies in the future.