Tragic Accident Claims Life of Grandmother After Falling into Uncovered Manhole in New York
Grandmother, 56, desperately screamed 'I’m dying' after getting stuck down manhole

Image: Dailystar Co Uk
Donike Gocaj, a 56-year-old grandmother, tragically died after falling into an uncovered manhole in New York City. Witnesses described her desperate cries for help as she fell approximately 15 feet into the sewer, and an investigation is underway to determine how the manhole cover was dislodged just before her fall.
- 01Donike Gocaj fell into a manhole near East 52nd Street and Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, New York.
- 02Eyewitness Carl Wood described the scene, noting that there were no warning signs or barricades around the open manhole.
- 03Ms. Gocaj was reportedly in a puddle of hot water and appeared to be in distress when rescuers arrived.
- 04Emergency responders found her unresponsive and she later died at a nearby hospital.
- 05The investigation revealed that a truck may have dislodged the manhole cover shortly before the incident.
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A tragic accident occurred in New York City when Donike Gocaj, a 56-year-old grandmother, fell into an uncovered manhole near East 52nd Street and Fifth Avenue. Witnesses reported that she dropped approximately 15 feet into the sewer, where she was heard screaming, "I’m dying," as she awaited help. Eyewitness Carl Wood described the horrifying scene, noting that there were no safety cones or barricades around the open manhole, which was located just feet away from where Ms. Gocaj parked her vehicle. Despite the rapid response from emergency services, by the time they arrived, her cries for help had ceased. She was pulled from the hole unresponsive and later died in the hospital. An investigation is currently underway, with preliminary findings suggesting that a multi-axle truck may have dislodged the manhole cover shortly before the incident. The energy company Con Edison stated that they are reviewing the details and emphasized their commitment to safety. The Office of Chief Medical Examiner is also investigating the cause of death.
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This incident raises serious safety concerns regarding uncovered manholes in urban areas, potentially leading to stricter regulations and safety measures.
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