A woman has tragically died after falling into an uncovered manhole in Manhattan, near a Cartier store on Fifth Avenue. The incident occurred on Monday night at approximately 11:20 p.m., according to the New York Police Department (NYPD).
Details of the Accident
The 56-year-old victim, a resident of Westchester County, had just stepped out of her parked Mercedes-Benz SUV at East 52nd Street and 5th Avenue when she plunged roughly 10 feet into the exposed manhole. Officers arriving at the scene found her unconscious and unresponsive, CBS News reported. She was rushed to New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center but succumbed to her injuries.
Family's Reaction and Investigation
The woman's family returned to the scene on Tuesday morning, seeking answers. Her daughter-in-law, visibly shaken, told CBS News that the tragedy was "so fresh" and lamented the absence of warning signs or barriers around the manhole. Video footage from the scene showed a Mercedes parked nearby, with the manhole both covered and cordoned off, located about one to two feet from the driver's side door.
The NYPD stated that the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death, and the victim's identity is being withheld pending family notification. Energy company Con Edison, which is responsible for the manhole, expressed deep sadness over the incident and confirmed it is actively investigating why the manhole was left uncovered. A spokesperson said, "We are deeply saddened to confirm that a member of the public has died after falling into an open manhole. We are actively investigating how this occurred. Our thoughts are with the individual's family, and safety remains our top priority."
The Independent has reached out to Con Edison, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, and the NYPD for further comment.
