NYC Transit blames developer for LIC subway deluge

A passenger was caught up in a deluge of water on the platform of the Court Square subway Thursday. Screenshot from Instagram/Subway Creatures

By Phineas Rueckert 

New York City Transit Authority said a subway station storm surge that knocked a straphanger to the flooded floor in Long Island City was “absolutely unacceptable”  — but the agency washed its hands of culpability, instead blaming a developer.

The flood at the Court Square-23rd Street station, caught on cellphone video, was “caused by a contractor working on a residential development project that could have put lives at risk,” NYCTA said in a statement.

According to the statement, contractors failed to install a proper pumping system, leading to water pouring onto the E and M train platform and washing a commuter off of his feet.

Contractors were working on the Court Square City View skyscraper, a 778-foot-high glass development planned for 23-15 44th Drive, the Daily News reported. 

“Their worksite was inundated with rainwater during severe thunderstorms, causing water to build up at their worksite and breach plywood separating their worksite from the station,” NYCT said in its statement. 

NYCTA said that they were in contact with the contractor, who agreed to implement necessary safety measures, including installing a functioning pumping system, as well as a new wall and waterproofing.