(The following story by John Valenti appeared on the Newsday website on January 14.)
NEW YORK — A bomb scare caused the brief suspension of all service on the Long Beach branch of the Long Island Rail Road Wednesday morning, causing the cancellation of one westbound train and delays to three others, officials said.
The situation forced the cancellation of the 6:09 a.m. train from Long Beach to Flatbush Avenue and caused an eastbound train to Long Beach to be held for about 30 minutes in Oceanside. It also delayed two other trains and caused 20-to-30 minute delays.
Officials said service was expected to be back on time before 8 a.m. Wednesday.
Nassau County police said they were involved in the investigation following a threat made against the LIRR.
Metropolitan Transportation Authority police also were involved in the investigation.
A source said that no device was located — and that the situation is being considered a hoax. Officials would not immediately comment on the situation, however, citing an ongoing investigation.
Railroad officials said the passengers from the canceled train were to be accommodated by the 6:37 a.m. train from Long Beach. That train was delayed about 30 minutes.
LIRR spokesman Rich Mendelson said passengers headed to Flatbush Avenue on the Long Beach branch were asked to transfer at Jamaica.