Long Island rail service halts due to recycling plant fire

NEW YORK, March 17 — A fire near Long Island Railroad (LIRR) tracks in Jamaica, in New York City’s borough of Queens, caused the suspension of multiple lines service on Friday.
Firefighters were on the scene and no injures were reported, tweeted the Fire Department New York (FDNY).
Flames broke out at a recycling plant about 1 p.m. and grew into a 5-alarm-fire around 4 p.m. Plumes of black smoke from the fire could be seen miles away.
Services were shut down until further notice in both directions on the Port Jefferson, Ronkonkoma, Oyster Bay and Hempstead branches, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) said in a statement.
“Normal service remains suspended until further notice,” said MTA, adding the LIRR has been advised by FDNY to expect a prolonged firefighting operation.

Xinhua