News Summary

A brief blackout occurred at Grand Central Terminal, disrupting operations but leaving train services unaffected. The power outage, caused by a drop in voltage, began around 8:30 p.m. and was resolved within the hour. While power was quickly restored, some Metro-North Railroad employees found themselves trapped in elevators. MTA officials are investigating the cause of the outage, marking another incident following a similar blackout in December. The terminal remains a vital transportation hub for New York City, serving thousands of commuters daily.

Power Restored After Brief Blackout at Grand Central Terminal, No Injuries Reported

New York City experienced a brief blackout at Grand Central Terminal Thursday night, with power restored shortly after the outage occurred. The incident began at approximately 8:30 p.m. due to a drop in voltage to the feeder network, leading to outages in various sections of the iconic terminal.

The upper level of Grand Central Terminal regained power at 8:53 p.m., and by 9:17 p.m., the lower level had also been restored. During the blackout, operations at Grand Central Madison were unaffected, and train services, including those of the Metro-North Railroad and Long Island Rail Road, continued without interruption. MTA officials confirmed there were no injuries stemming from the blackout.

However, the blackout presented challenges for some, as five Metro-North Railroad employees found themselves briefly trapped in elevators that lost power. Emergency generators were activated, allowing rescue teams to safely assist the trapped individuals.

Witness Accounts

Witnesses described the atmosphere at Grand Central Terminal during the outage as chaotic and nerve-wracking. Many commuters resorted to using their cellphones and flashlights to navigate through the darkened terminal. The sudden loss of light and the ensuing confusion added to the stress of passengers who were trying to figure out how to move in the darkness.

Investigation Underway

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is currently collaborating with Con Edison to investigate the underlying causes of the voltage drop that led to the outage. This incident marks another blackout at Grand Central Terminal, following a similar occurrence in December 2023, which was linked to issues at a Con Edison substation.

Background Context

Grand Central Terminal is not only a crucial transit hub for New York City but also an iconic landmark known for its grand architecture and bustling atmosphere. The terminal hosts thousands of passengers daily, serving as a critical link for commuters traveling to and from the city.

Power outages at major transit hubs can have widespread effects on transportation and logistics. Past incidents, like the blackout in December, have raised concerns about infrastructure reliability and the necessity for ongoing maintenance and upgrades to prevent future occurrences. The MTA’s response to this latest incident and subsequent investigation signify a commitment to ensuring the safety and efficiency of services for all passengers.

The restoration of power at Grand Central Terminal, alongside the assertion that train services remained unaffected, will come as relief to the many who rely on this vital transportation artery. As investigations proceed, MTA officials are expected to provide updates on the electrical issues and any potential steps for enhancing system resilience against similar incidents in the future.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• ABC News
• Wikipedia: Grand Central Terminal
• CBS News
• Google Search: Grand Central Terminal power outage
• Gothamist
• Google Scholar: Grand Central Terminal power infrastructure
• NY Daily News
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Power outage
• New York Post
• Google News: Power outage Grand Central Terminal

Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER

NEW YORK STAFF WRITER The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.