In a shocking incident on Wednesday afternoon, water from the East River gushed into Queens Midtown Tunnel, creating a terrifying deluge that left drivers in a state of panic. The mishap occurred when a drilling contractor accidentally punched a hole in the tunnel's roof during investigative work related to the UN esplanade project's design, according to officials.

The south tube of the busy Queens Midtown Tunnel was promptly closed on the Queens side at around 12:30 p.m. as water poured in, prompting authorities to take immediate action. Disturbing video footage captured the moment vehicles continued to traverse the tunnel while water cascaded down from square openings. This alarming scene quickly spread across social media, leaving viewers in awe.

After approximately 45 minutes of closure, officials took steps to reopen one lane in each direction by 3 p.m. However, traffic congestion lingered, causing significant delays and frustration among commuters. The CEO of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), Janno Lieber, revealed that the damage was caused by a city-funded private contractor while drilling to locate pylons for the East River greenway. According to reports, the resulting hole in the tunnel's roof measured approximately 2 1/2 inches in diameter.

During a press conference, Cathy Sheridan, President of MTA Bridges and Tunnels, confirmed that the drilling contractor had inadvertently drilled through the cast iron liner of the tunnel, leading to the massive flooding. The timeline for reopening the tunnel remains uncertain, but Sheridan assured the public that efforts were underway to find a temporary repair solution while planning for a more permanent fix.

City officials urged commuters to opt for public transportation as an alternative to avoid further delays. This unfortunate incident comes on the heels of the tunnel undergoing partial closure over the summer to conduct tests on flood doors designed to protect against hurricanes and storms. The MTA is currently working tirelessly to pump out the water, with two-way traffic resuming in the north tube while the south tube is still being assessed.

Governor Kathy Hochul took to Twitter to address the situation, informing residents to exercise caution in the area and seek alternate travel routes. As the cleanup and assessment continue, commuters are advised to stay up to date with the latest information from transportation authorities.

The flooding mishap in the Queens Midtown Tunnel serves as a stark reminder of the inherent challenges involved in maintaining critical infrastructure. Undoubtedly, efforts are underway to prevent similar incidents in the future and ensure the seamless functioning of the tunnel, a lifeline for the commuting population in the region.