In a tragic incident on Monday night, Donike Gocaj, a 56-year-old woman from Westchester County, New York, fell into an uncovered manhole in Manhattan and later died from her injuries. Witnesses reported that she screamed, 'I’m dying,' as she awaited help. The fall occurred around 11:20 PM near the Cartier store, where Gocaj had parked her Mercedes-Benz. According to bystander Carl Wood, she stepped out of her vehicle and immediately dropped into the open utility hole, which was just a few feet from her car door. Emergency services arrived minutes later, but by then, her screams had ceased. Gocaj was pulled from the hole and rushed to a nearby hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries.

The incident is currently under investigation, with Con Edison stating that a multi-axle truck had likely dislodged the manhole cover shortly before Gocaj's arrival. Witnesses expressed shock at the lack of safety measures, such as barriers or cones, around the open manhole. As the community grapples with the horror of this accident, many are calling for improved safety protocols to prevent such tragedies in the future.