A Brazilian woman narrowly escaped serious injury after falling into a manhole on her way to work in Rio de Janeiro. CCTV footage captured the moment 31-year-old cook Fabiana Rosa stepped onto a manhole cover that gave way, causing her to plunge into the sewer below.
Trapped Beneath the Street
The incident occurred in the Maracanã district as Fabiana was walking to her job. As she stepped onto the cover, it flipped open, and she fell into the dark crevice. The cover then flipped back, closing the hole and trapping her inside. A motorcyclist who witnessed the accident immediately rushed to help, and other bystanders joined in lifting the heavy cover to free her.
Rescue and Injuries
Fabiana was pulled from the manhole and taken to Andarai Federal Hospital, where she was treated for moderate injuries to her forehead, arms, legs, chest, and back. Speaking to Brazilian news outlet RJ1, she described the terrifying experience: "I thought I was going to die because the water was up to my chest, and the hole was very deep. I stepped on the edge of the hole, the iron part, and went right in. The lid flipped over, hit my forehead, and I fell inside."
Investigation into Tampered Cover
Local authorities believe the manhole cover may have been tampered with by two men seen on CCTV footage, possibly attempting to steal the metal lid. Police have since replaced the cover and contacted maintenance crews to ensure all manhole covers are properly secured.
Similar Incident in New York City
The incident comes just weeks after a fatal manhole accident in New York City. On May 18, 56-year-old Donike Gocaj died after falling into an open manhole while parking her Mercedes outside Cartier's flagship store on Fifth Avenue. She was found unconscious at the bottom and pronounced dead at a hospital. Con Edison, responsible for the manhole, said no construction was ongoing and is investigating. The cover was found 15 feet away from the hole.
