The Metropolitan Transportation Authority said the scene was caused by contractors of a residential tower nearby. The construction firms hadn’t been named before James’ announcement. The construction appears related to the 67-story Skyline Tower condo development.

New York City Transit President Andy Byford addressed the video during an MTA board meeting Monday morning, calling it “quite shocking.”

“That developer, unbeknownst to us, had removed a pump from the big pit that they were building as part of the construction,” Byford said. “Which meant the pit filled up with water and the pressure eventually overwhelmed the hoarding that was there to protect the worksite.”

Byford said the water immediately dissipated because the station’s drains were clear. The MTA is adding inspectors to the site at the developer’s cost, the transit chief added.

Michael Gianaris, Long Island City’s representative in the state Senate, first called for the investigation.

“People were nearly killed due to the negligence of a private corporation which must be held to account,” Gianaris said in a statement. “In situations like this, too much deference is typically afforded to faceless corporate entities to the detriment of the public and I thank Attorney General James for looking into this deplorable episode, holding these contractors accountable, and seeking whatever remedies are available for the serious damages caused.”

The attorney general has asked both companies to preserve contracts and all other documents related to the worksite.

Representatives from Civetta and New Line Structures did not respond immediately to a request for comment.

