Sun, 03 May 2026 08:41:18 +0000

The Hidden Truth Behind Columbus Circle’s Most Shocking Night: Uncovering the Night That Changed Manhattan’s Underground Nestled beneath one of New York City’s most iconic public plazas, Columbus Circle is more than just a bustling transit hub and luxury shopping destination—it’s a place steeped in history, mystery, and hidden contradictions. While many know it today for its glass-an-container facade, high-end boutiques, and proximity to the American Museum of Natural History, few realize that beneath the glittering surface lies a lesser-known story: The Hidden Truth Behind Columbus Circle’s Most Shocking Night. ### A Night That Changed the Core of the Circle On a cold winter night in January 2014, a seemingly routine power upgrade garden maintenance beneath Columbus Circle triggered an unexpected crisis that reading like a real-life thriller. When utility crews extended new electrical lines for a renovation project, a trapped underground utility valve surged unexpectedly, flooding parts of the underground plaza and subway access tunnels. The resulting subway closures left thousands stranded, and what followed was a 67-hour blackout—unprecedented in this section of Manhattan’s subway system.