A fast-moving fire wiped out a half dozen businesses in Flushing and later reeked havoc on evening commuters Wednesday.
Six different businesses in two buildings along Roosevelt Avenue near Main Street were wiped out within hours from the early morning fire.
The roof collapsed on one of the buildings. Strong winds made the battle tougher for firefighters, who found the buildings completely engulfed in flames when they arrived at about 2:15 a.m.
The damage from the fire caused several buses to be detoured during the evening rush.
The following buses are being detoured:
- Q44 (Northbound)-regular route via Main Street, left on Sandford, right on College Point Boulevard, right on Roosevelt Avenue, left on Prince, left on 38th Avenue, left on Main Street, right on Northern Boulevard, left on Union then regular.
- Q44 (Southbound)-regular route via Union Street, right on Sandford, left on Main Street then regular
- Q12, Q15 and Q26 (Eastbound)- regular route, right on Union, left Roosevelt Avenue then regular
- Q12, Q15 and Q26 (Westbound)- regular route via Roosevelt Avenue, right on Union, left on 37th Avenue, left on 138th Street, left on 39th Avenue then regular
- Q17 and Q27 (Northbound)- regular route via Kissena Boulevard, left on Sandford, right on College Point, left on Prince, right on 38th Avenue, right on Main Street then regular
- Q17 and Q27 (Southbound)- regular route on Main Street, right on 39th Avenue, left on Prince Street, left on 40th Road, right on Main Street then regular
Commuters were told to expect service delays on the 7 train as well.
More than 100 firefighters worked to get the blaze under control.
Two firefighters suffered minor injuries. No serious injuries were reported.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
