Autopsy Confirms Midtown Manhole Death Was Accidental, Linked to Dislodged Cover
An autopsy determined 56-year-old Donike Gocaj died after stepping into an open manhole in Midtown Manhattan. The cause of death was scald burns with inhalation thermal injury and blunt-force trauma to the torso, ruled an accident. Investigators say Con Edison reviewed video showing a multi-axle truck dislodged the manhole cover after turning onto 52nd Street from Fifth Avenue, about 12 minutes before Gocaj parked nearby and fell roughly 10 feet; steam from the incident triggered cardiac arrest, and she was pronounced dead at NY Presbyterian Hospital. Officials say the case will be closely reviewed and safety measures will be examined to prevent a similar tragedy.
