Tree blocks westbound LIRR service

Local westbound Long Island Rail Road service from Jamaica was suspended Saturday night after a tree fell on the tracks.

A train struck the tree, which fell between Kew Gardens and Forest Hills at about 9:45 p.m., an official said. No one was hurt in the collision, and the train backed up to Jamaica and let passengers off. The train sustained windshield-wiper damage.

The tree completely blocked three westbound tracks and partially blocked the fourth, said railroad spokeswoman Margie Anders.

Only the Port Washington branch, which doesn't pass through the Jamaica hub, was unaffected, she said.

Passengers traveling into the city were able to use their train passes on the subway, which is operated by the railroad's sister agency.

"Your train ticket is good on the subway," Anders said. "We're cross-honoring."

Anders said workers were using chain saws to help remove the tree.

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The LIRR said in an email alert around 10:30 p.m. that it would take 60 to 90 minutes to clear the tree.

Eastbound service remained unaffected, Anders said.