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.
A closer look at the burned and broken track @LIRR workers are trying to repair after a morning car fire. @ABC7NY pic.twitter.com/5ZdNW3Jq8f
— Dray Clark (@DrayClarkABC7) July 27, 2016
By early afternoon, the LIRR was experiencing scattered delays, but officials anticipated a normal ride home for straphangers.
