A tragic incident unfolded on New York’s busy Fifth Avenue as a grandmother lost her life after inadvertently falling into an open manhole. The New York Police Department responded to the scene in Manhattan, where they discovered the unconscious body of Donike Gocaj, a 56-year-old woman, who later passed away despite being rushed to the hospital in the early hours of Tuesday.
Authorities revealed that the grandmother had descended 10 feet into the manhole after getting out of her car. While the police are conducting an investigation, they have indicated that no criminal activity is suspected at this time. It was noted that open manholes pose a recurring hazard in the city, with numerous accidents reported annually. The utility company suggested that a passing truck may have dislodged the cover of the manhole.
A spokesperson for Con Edison, the utility company, mentioned that shortly after parking her car nearby, the tragic incident occurred. They emphasized that although such occurrences are rare, heavy vehicles can sometimes displace manhole covers. The safety of individuals remains a top priority for the utility company.
The New York City Department of Environmental Protection has already received over 700 service requests related to open manholes this year, highlighting the prevalence of such incidents. Witnesses recounted the harrowing moment when the grandmother vanished into the manhole, emphasizing the lack of protective measures around the area.
The family of the victim mourns her loss, as she leaves behind a son, a daughter, and two grandchildren. The incident took place near the Cartier store as Ms. Gocaj parked her Mercedes-Benz SUV on West 52nd Street. Subsequent footage from the scene displayed the manhole close to her vehicle, with the area cordoned off for safety.
The daughter-in-law of the deceased pointed out the absence of warning signs or barriers around the manhole, which is contrary to city regulations. Legal experts highlighted the importance of securely placing manhole covers to prevent such accidents, noting that such incidents are unfortunately not uncommon in New York City.
