A frightening incident unfolded on Tuesday night, September 30, 2025, when a vehicle driven by a Garden City woman crashed through multiple barriers and came to rest on the tracks of the Nassau Boulevard Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) station.

Authorities say the driver, identified as 60-year-old Christine Riordan, was intoxicated at the time of the crash and is now facing charges of driving while intoxicated (DWI).

The crash happened shortly after 8 p.m., prompting a swift response from the Garden City Police Department. Investigators reported that Riordan’s vehicle, which carried two occupants, plowed into two parked cars, a fence, part of the railroad tracks, the electrified third rail, and even a platform post before finally coming to a stop.

Thankfully, no injuries were reported among the occupants of the vehicle, bystanders, or LIRR commuters. However, the crash caused major disruptions to train service on the LIRR’s Hempstead Branch, with service suspended for several hours as crews worked to safely remove the vehicle and inspect the damage.

In a statement, the LIRR confirmed that trains were halted on the branch until the early morning hours. “Service was fully restored by 3 a.m. Wednesday after repair crews completed their work and conducted safety inspections,” according to News12 Long Island.

The following morning, commuters were met with residual disruptions. In a Wednesday morning service alert, the LIRR informed passengers of multiple delays and at least one cancellation “due to a vehicle on the tracks near Nassau Boulevard.” Many riders expressed frustration online, though relief quickly followed when service returned to normal later in the day.

Christine Riordan was taken into custody at the scene and later arraigned in Nassau County District Court. Online court records indicate she pleaded not guilty to the DWI charge and was released under supervision pending further proceedings. She is scheduled to return to court on October 15, 2025.

The incident has raised renewed concerns about impaired driving on Long Island, where local officials and safety advocates continue to stress the dangers and consequences of driving under the influence. Crashes involving intoxicated drivers not only put the driver and passengers at risk but also threaten the safety of bystanders, public infrastructure, and, in this case, the thousands of commuters who rely on the LIRR daily.

Neighbors in Garden City expressed both shock and relief that the incident did not end in tragedy. “It could have been so much worse,” one commuter said. “If a train had been coming, we would be talking about lives lost. It’s a miracle no one was hurt.”

As the legal process moves forward, Riordan faces serious consequences for her alleged actions. For now, the case serves as a stark reminder of the potential devastation caused by driving while intoxicated and the importance of prioritizing safety on and off the road.