A massive fire affected more than 30 businesses in Queens and generated billows of thick black smoke that reached the New York City Subway York, setting off alarms in Flushing yesterday during a rainy morning.
The fire broke out on the first floor of a building on Main Street in Flushing shortly before 6: 10 Thursday am. As the flames advanced, the roof partially gave way. Hours later, the building collapsed.
The thick black smoke not only rose into the sky, but also leaked underground inside the Line 7 Metro station, stopping train service at the height of morning congestion.
Some 200 firefighters responded to battle the flames and at least 3 were injured. Miraculously, no civilians were injured.
The building where the fire started housed more than 30 stores that sold clothes and other goods. “It’s heartbreaking because I come here every day. I work in this area. I just can’t believe it,” Dianne Carpen told ABC News.
The cause of the fire is still being investigated. FDNY Acting Chief of Operations Richard Blatus said earlier that crews would be on the scene for hours shutting down hot spots. “Once the fire is completely out, we’ll have the (Buildings Department) assess the structure to see what kind of searches we can run.”
Councilwoman Sandra Ung was on the scene. “I hope for my part to work with the city of New York, especially with the SBA (Federal Small Business Agency), so that they can survey what is happening and help small businesses” affected, she said.