A fatal Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) accident involving a teenager from Minnesota has raised serious concerns over gaps between train entrances and station platforms.

Natalie Smead, 18, fell through a gap between the westbound Babylon train and the center platform at the Woodside, Queens station Saturday. Smead fell onto the tracks and, after crossing to the other side of the platform, was struck by an eastbound Port Washington train. Doctors at Bellevue Hospital in Manhattan tried desperately to reattach a severed leg, but Smead was pronounced dead from her injuries three hours later.

Local legislators are calling on the LIRR to close the gaps and protect commuters. State Senator Dean Skelos (R-Rockville Centre) says platform maintenance has gotten behind schedule. He is calling for a full review of all LIRR and Metro North stations by the state Public Transportation Safety Board.