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Harlem Building Collapse <strike>Prompts Metro-North Service Suspension</strike> Service Restored to Grand Central, Expect Delays
By
Jen Chung
Published Mar 4, 2008
Modified Mar 7, 2008
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By
Jen Chung
Published Mar 4, 2008
Modified Mar 7, 2008
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Above images from WNBC 4, below right image from WCBS 2; bottom left image from Peter Haskell/WCBS 880
A building collapse at 124th Street and Park Avenue has prompted the MTA to shut down all train service in and out of Grand Central Terminal. Metro-North's Dan Brucker told WCBS 880, "We don't know how long the closure will last. We have been told by the police not to have any trains run through the 125th Street station."
That's probably because the authorities are concerned that vibrations from the trains will affect the building. The building at 102 East 124th Street partially collapsed a little after noon, and then later the entire building collapsed. The building next to it, 100 East 124th, is in danger of collapsing and will be demolished immediately. It's believed the buildings, which are owned by Kushner Companies, are vacant - no injuries are reported.
All trains are being held at stations above 125th Street. About 80-90,000 people using Metro-North during rush hour, which means that when (if) service resumes, there will be some crazy delays. Additionally, WABC 7 reports, "some equipment will be out of position because it is now stuck outside of Grand Central Terminal."
And it looks like the MTA website is currently down back up: "Hudson, Harlem and New Haven Line train service has been temporarily suspended into and out of Grand Central Terminal because of a building collapse in the vicinity of 124 Street and Park Avenue." And from the NYC Transit alert, "Also, due to a building collapse in the vicinity of 124th Street and Park Avenue affecting Metro-North Railroad Service in and out of Grand Central Station, New York City Transit is cross-honoring Metro-North Railroad ticket holders at the Marble Hill-225th Street Station, Wakefield-241st Street Station, 233rd Street Station and the Grand Central-42nd Street Station."
Expect a mob scene at Grand Central. In fact, we're getting reports that there are crowd control issues at Grand Central. And streets around the collapse have been closed, as the Buildings Department and emergency services are on location.
Update 4:45PM Some commenters had good suggestions for trying to get out of the city, but WCBS 880 reports bussing may be a dream: "Brucker says no way to bus people around there, wouldn't make a dent in that crowd. One bus holds 50 customer, while one train holds 1,200 customers."
Update 5:07PM Service is restored to train service in and out of Grand Central, but expect extensive delays (estimates are 90 minutes, could be more).
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Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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