Midtown Manhattan Woman's Death Linked to Open Manhole and Intense Heat
Donike Gocaj, a 56-year-old woman, died after falling into an open manhole in Midtown Manhattan. The city's medical examiner determined her death was caused by a combination of scald burns, inhalational thermal injury, and blunt force trauma. Gocaj fell into the manhole after stepping out of her car on E. 52nd St. near Fifth Ave. Witnesses reported hearing her cries for help before firefighters rescued her. Con Edison is investigating the incident, suggesting a heavy truck may have dislodged the manhole cover, leaving it open.