Woman Dies After Falling Into Open Manhole in Midtown Manhattan
A 56-year-old woman fell to her death late Monday after stepping into an open manhole near Fifth Avenue in New York City. Authorities said the cover had likely been dislodged by a passing truck minutes earlier.
Nbc NewsA 56-year-old woman died after falling into an open manhole in Midtown Manhattan late Monday night. The woman had parked her car and was walking when she stepped into the uncovered shaft, which was about 10 feet deep, according to the New York Police Department. Officers found her unconscious near the Cartier store on Fifth Avenue and took her to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
The manhole was steaming at the time of the fall, police said.
It is not clear why the cover was off. A New York City manhole cover was likely dislodged by a passing truck minutes before the woman stepped into the exposed shaft.
Edison said it is investigating the incident. " — Con Edison spokesperson, May 19, 2026 (NBC News) The utility added that safety remains its top priority and expressed condolences to the woman’s family. The woman was identified as Donika Gocaj.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
4 events- Late Monday night
Woman parked car and stepped into open manhole near Cartier store on Fifth Avenue.
2 sourcesWSJ · NBCNews - Late Monday night
Officers found the woman unconscious and took her to a hospital.
1 sourceNBCNews - Tuesday
Authorities said the cover was likely dislodged by a passing truck minutes earlier.
1 sourceWSJ - Tuesday
Con Edison confirmed the death and said it is investigating.
1 sourceNBCNews
Transparency Panel
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