Tunnel to Manhattan leaks after contractor drills through it

NEW YORK CITY, New York: An underwater tunnel beneath New York City's East River began to leak after a contractor accidentally drilled into it. City officials had to immediately intervene to seal the hole and regulate traffic flow.

The incident occurred around 12:30 p.m. on the Manhattan side of the Queens Midtown Tunnel, through which nearly 100,000 vehicles pass daily.

The accident occurred when a contractor hired to work on a new esplanade project near the UN building accidentally drilled a 6.3-centimeter hole in the tunnel's cast-iron lining, allowing water to seep into the tunnel's exhaust shaft and drip onto vehicles passing below.

“There are several layers of protection in the tunnel,” explained Cathy Sheridan, president of MTA Bridges and Tunnels, during a press conference. “But if someone drills through all of them, you'll create a leak.”

Footage shared on social media showed water pouring out of the tunnel's vents, surprising drivers below. One driver asked in a video: “Why is the tunnel leaking? What's going on here?”

Fortunately, no injuries were reported and the city government immediately launched an investigation. Sheridan explained the cause as follows: “The contractor drilled about 100 feet deep – 50 feet through water and another 50 feet through earth – before accidentally breaking through the tunnel.”

The drilling was done by Warren George, a contractor with the city's economic development corporation, which is overseeing the Esplanade project. Josh Krauss, the corporation's infrastructure chief, confirmed the details, adding that efforts to remedy the situation are ongoing.

Representatives of the drilling company declined to comment on the incident.