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Woman dies after falling down Con Edison manhole in Midtown, police say
By
Brittany Kriegstein
Published May 19, 2026
Modified May 19, 2026
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Marco_Piunti via Getty Images
By
Brittany Kriegstein
Published May 19, 2026
Modified May 19, 2026
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A woman died after falling about 10 feet down an open Con Edison manhole in Midtown on Monday night, NYPD officials said.
Police said Donike Gocaj, 56, appeared to have parked her car near the corner of Fifth Avenue and East 52nd Street, got out and plummeted down the manhole. Officers were called to the scene around 11:15 p.m. and found her unconscious, according to officials.
First responders took the woman to NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead, police said.
Officials said they were still investigating why the manhole was uncovered. They said no construction was happening at the intersection at the time, and the manhole cover was discovered about 15 feet away from the opening.
A Con Ed spokesperson said video footage suggested a "multi-axle truck" turning onto 52nd Street had driven over the manhole, causing it to become dislodged. About 12 minutes later, the woman parked her car nearby, the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson said the incident was a "rare occurrence" and that manhole covers can get displaced by heavy vehicles.
City medical examiners will determine the woman’s cause of death, according to police.
Giulia Heyward contributed reporting.
This story is based on preliminary information from police and may be updated.
Tagged
manhattan
midtown
new york city
public safety
Brittany Kriegstein
Brittany Kriegstein covers all breaking news around New York City, with a focus on crime and gun violence. Got a tip? Email Brittany at [email protected].
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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