The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has confirmed that 56-year-old Donike Gocaj died following a fall into an open manhole in Midtown Manhattan earlier this week. Officials stated that Gocaj succumbed to “scald burns with inhalational thermal injury and blunt force trauma of [the] torso,” and have officially ruled the manner of death an accident.
Incident Details
The incident occurred on Monday night when Gocaj exited her parked car and fell approximately 10 feet into the uncovered utility hole. NYPD officials noted that no construction work was taking place at the intersection at the time of the incident. First responders arrived at the scene at approximately 11:15 p.m. And discovered Gocaj unconscious; she was subsequently transported to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
What Follows
As the investigation into the circumstances of the fall continues, Con Edison may face further scrutiny regarding the maintenance and security of its utility access points. While the utility company has provided an initial assessment regarding the cause of the dislodged cover, it has not yet provided updates on its internal investigation or further comment regarding the medical examiner’s findings. Future developments will likely focus on whether preventative measures for securing manhole covers against heavy traffic displacement are sufficient.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the official cause of death?
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined that Donike Gocaj died of “scald burns with inhalational thermal injury and blunt force trauma of [the] torso.”
What caused the manhole to be open?
According to Con Edison, video footage indicates that a “multi-axle truck” dislodged the manhole cover approximately 12 minutes before Gocaj parked her car.
Was there construction happening at the site?
No. NYPD officials stated that no construction was occurring in the intersection at the time of the incident.
How can cities better balance the demands of heavy urban traffic with the need for secure, tamper-resistant infrastructure?
