Officials in New York City have announced the cause of death for a 56-year-old woman who died Monday after falling into an open manhole. The victim, Donike Gocaj, fell 10 feet into the uncovered manhole after stepping out of a parked SUV, according to WABC. She lived in Westchester County and is survived by a son, a daughter, and two grandchildren, as reported by People.
Medical Examiner's Findings
On Wednesday, New York City’s chief medical examiner told People that Gocaj’s death was ruled an accident. The cause of death was determined to be “scald burns with inhalational thermal injury and blunt force trauma of the torso.” Police sources had earlier told ABC News that heat from underground steam likely caused Gocaj to suffer cardiac arrest after falling.
Circumstances of the Incident
No construction was underway at the site where Gocaj fell. The missing manhole cover was discovered 15 feet from the manhole. Carlton Wood, who witnessed the fall, told WABC TV that Gocaj repeatedly screamed, “I’m dying” during the ordeal. “She wasn’t distracted, she didn’t walk onto a construction site,” Wood said. “I mean, she parked her car, stepped out of her car and dropped right into the manhole.” Gocaj was rushed to a local hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.
Con Edison's Response
Con Edison, the operator of the manhole, determined after reviewing footage that a truck had somehow dislodged the cover about 12 minutes before the accident, according to NBC New York. In a statement to ABC News on Tuesday, Con Edison said, “We are reviewing the details, and while this is a rare occurrence, manhole covers can get displaced by heavy vehicles. Our thoughts remain with her family, and safety remains our top priority.”
