New York Woman Dies After Falling into Uncovered Fifth Avenue Manhole
A woman has died after stepping out of her vehicle and falling 10 ft (three metres) into an uncovered maintenance hole on Fifth Avenue in New York City, police have confirmed.
Officers responded to an emergency call in Manhattan late Monday, discovering Donike Gocaj, 56, of Briarcliff Manor, unconscious and unresponsive within the manhole. She was transported to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Utility provider Con Edison stated that video footage indicates a truck dislodged the manhole cover approximately 12 minutes before Gocaj parked her car nearby. A spokesperson for Con Edison remarked that while such occurrences are infrequent, heavy vehicles can displace manhole covers, extending condolences to the family and emphasising safety as a priority.
Gocaj's family, speaking at the scene, questioned the absence of cones, warning signs, or barriers around the opening. Police are currently investigating the incident, though no criminal activity is suspected. The city medical examiner's office will determine the precise cause of death.
New York City's Department of Environmental Protection, responsible for approximately 100,000 active manholes, has reportedly received over 700 service requests concerning open manholes this year alone, underscoring a persistent infrastructure challenge.
