A 56-year-old woman died after falling into an uncovered manhole on Fifth Avenue in New York City, police said. Donike Gocaj, of Briarcliff Manor, New York, was taken to a hospital after being found unconscious and unresponsive down the 10-foot deep manhole just before midnight on Monday. The incident occurred after she stepped out of her car.
The utility company, Con Edison, believes a truck dislodged the manhole cover about 12 minutes before the incident. The company said it is reviewing the details and that safety remains its top priority. Gocaj’s family is trying to understand how the tragedy happened, with her daughter-in-law saying there were no warning signs or barriers around the maintenance hole.
Manhole Safety Concerns
The incident highlights concerns about open manholes in the city. The New York City Department of Environmental Protection manages the city’s water supply and wastewater infrastructure, including thousands of miles of sewer lines and about 100,000 active manholes. The department has received over 700 service requests regarding open manholes so far this year.
The city’s utility company and authorities are investigating the incident, with no criminal activity suspected at this time. The city medical examiner’s office will determine the cause of death. The incident has raised questions about the safety of the city’s infrastructure and the measures in place to prevent such accidents.
Investigation and Reactions
Gocaj’s family and authorities are seeking answers about the circumstances surrounding the incident. The investigation is ongoing, with Con Edison reviewing video footage and the city’s Department of Environmental Protection looking into the maintenance of the manhole. The incident has sparked concerns about the safety of pedestrians and drivers in the city.
The incident is a tragic reminder of the importance of maintaining the city’s infrastructure and ensuring public safety. As the investigation continues, the city will be looking at ways to prevent such accidents in the future, and the community will be coming to terms with the loss of a life in a tragic and preventable accident.
