7 line subway service resumes after crane spills debris in Flushing

FLUSHING (WABC) -- Service on the 7 subway line has currently been restored with delays after a crane-hoisting accident in Flushing, Queens.

The crane was lifting construction material to the rooftop of stores at about 1 p.m. when the hoist broke and the load was spilled onto the 7 tracks at Roosevelt Avenue and College Point Boulevard.

The debris apparently caused a small fire and smoke condition on the track. One eyewitness says a train was entering the station when the accident happened but the conductor was able to stop the train just feet shy of the falling debris.

Service was suspended for several hours in both directions as crews worked to remove the construction materials from the tracks and inspect the area for damage. The backlog also caused a traffic nightmare for motorists forced to detour around the scene until the all clear was given.

Check here for service updates:

http://www.mta.info/status/subway/7/23964123