In a devastating turn of events, a woman lost her life after falling into an uncovered manhole in Midtown Manhattan late Monday night. The victim, identified as 56-year-old Donike Gocaj from Briarcliff Manor, stepped out of her parked Mercedes Benz SUV at West 52nd and Fifth Avenue just before 11:20 p.m. when the tragic incident occurred.
Witnesses reported that Gocaj inadvertently stepped into the open manhole, plunging approximately ten feet into the darkness below. Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene and rushed her to New York Presbyterian Hospital, where she was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Family members of Gocaj have expressed profound grief and shock over the incident. Described as a devoted mother and grandmother, Gocaj is mourned by her son and daughter, as well as her two grandchildren. Her family is now seeking answers about the circumstances that led to this tragic accident.
Con Edison, the utility company responsible for the area, has launched an investigation into the incident. Preliminary reports indicate that there was no active construction in the vicinity at the time, and the manhole cover was later discovered approximately 15 feet away from the opening. The company has issued a statement expressing their sorrow over the incident and emphasizing their commitment to safety.
“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 statement read.
As the investigation continues, the community is left grappling with the tragic loss and the need for increased safety measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
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