Update: BART trains slowly returning to normal service after emergency track repair

OAKLAND -- Slowly, BART service began returning to normal Friday morning after emergency repairs to underground tracks in Oakland.

Problems began after a maintenance train damaged the electrified third rail at the vital Oakland 'Y' switchover before the system opened for the day.

"The incident began in the overnight maintenance hours before we began service," he said.  "Recently, we shut down the track way in downtown Oakland -- the Oakland 'Y' -- so we could get special equipment on the track. A 10-20 foot section of the third rail and associated equipment that was damaged by a maintenance vehicle."  

At 7:08 a.m., BART spokesman Jim Allison said limited service had been restored. However, officials expected delays to linger for hours. 

BART is recovering from major delays system wide due to unscheduled track repairs in downtown Oakland," transit officials tweeted at 7:10 a.m. "We are in the process of restoring normal train service."