A group of men have been seen emerging from a manhole on a busy New York street, sparking a police investigation. Seven individuals were observed climbing out of the sewer system on Brooklyn's McDonald Avenue in Gravesend.
Dramatic Exit Caught on Camera
The dramatic exit was captured on video around 2am on Friday and published by local outlet Flatbush Scoop. The men emerged and began stripping off their soiled clothing before gathering near waiting cars. Some carried equipment and flashlights, while others wore boots and protective gear. Video circulating online appeared to show a person remaining near the manhole with the cover closed, seemingly acting as a lookout.
NYPD Investigation
The bizarre sight prompted the New York City Police Department (NYPD) to visit the scene several hours later. Investigators have been unable to determine how long the group spent inside the sewer network or why they entered it. Footage from the investigation showed an NYPD officer wearing a respirator mask and stained protective coveralls being assisted out of the manhole after searching sections of the sewer below. Additional reports suggest the men may have been underground for nearly two hours before resurfacing.
Similar Incidents
The incident appears to be one of several similar occurrences across the borough, with witnesses reporting another group descending into a manhole in Williamsburg at Bedford Avenue and Lynch Street. Portions of McDonald Avenue between Kings Highway and Avenue S were shut down while officials worked to determine whether there were any hazards underground.
Infrastructure Inspection
Crews from the city's Department of Environmental Protection also arrived to conduct their own inspection of the infrastructure below the street. A spokesperson for the department said workers were 'inspecting the sewer infrastructure at this location to ensure there is no damage to the system.' The agency also issued a stark warning about the dangers of entering the city's sewer network.
'Entering the sewer system is both illegal and extremely dangerous,' the spokesperson said. 'Sewers can contain numerous hazards, including noxious and potentially deadly gases, unstable surfaces, flooding risks, and confined spaces.'
No Arrests Made
Despite the dramatic scene and hours of investigation, police said no arrests had been made as of Friday evening. The NYPD's 62nd Precinct later attempted to reassure residents, posting on social media that the location had been examined and was considered safe. According to the department, the area was found to be 'safe and free of hazards.'
