A tragic incident occurred late Monday night in Midtown Manhattan, where 56-year-old Donike Gocaj lost her life after falling into an uncovered maintenance hole on a bustling street near Fifth Avenue and East 52nd Street.
Details of the Incident
Utility provider Con Edison reported that surveillance footage captured a multi-axle truck dislodging the manhole cover approximately 12 minutes before Gocaj fell in. The company expressed condolences and emphasized that while such events are rare, heavy vehicles can sometimes displace covers.
Witness Carlton Wood, a New Jersey resident walking to work, described seeing Gocaj fall 10 to 15 feet into the hole after exiting her vehicle. He immediately called 911. “She was just in the hole, screaming that she was dying. Over and over she was like, ‘I’m dying, I’m dying,’” Wood recounted.
Community Response
The incident has sparked renewed concern among New Yorkers regarding the safety of maintenance holes. Gocaj’s family has expressed shock and is seeking further details as authorities continue their investigation. Con Edison stated, “We are reviewing the details, and while this is a rare occurrence, manhole covers can get displaced by heavy vehicles. Our thoughts remain with her family, and safety remains our top priority.”
