LIRR back to normal after car fire snarls AM commute

WESTBURY, Long Island (WABC) -- Long Island Rail Road service is back to normal in time for the Wednesday evening commute after an early-morning crash caused a fire on the tracks.

Just after 2 a.m., authorities say a car drove over a running rail at the second crossing east of the Westbury station, causing it to burst into flames.

Service on one track was restored by 4:30 a.m., but there was significant fire damage to the third rail and to track 2 that prompted the delay or cancellation of several trains.

The 30-year-old driver of the vehicle escaped injury and was was charged with driving while intoxicated.

The fire damaged one of two tracks near Urban Avenue in Westbury.

By early afternoon, the LIRR was experiencing scattered delays, but officials anticipated a normal ride home for straphangers.