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Man Dies After Truck Likely Dislodged Manhattan Manhole

5/20/2026

32 2 Full Breakdown

Center

Truck Triggers Fall

Video review showed a multi-axle truck passed over the manhole cover about twelve minutes before the fall, possibly dislodging it.
Donike Gocaj, 56, fell into an uncovered manhole on Fifth Avenue near 52nd Street in Manhattan and was pronounced dead.
Police reported no cones, signs, or barriers were present around the opening at the time.
The examiner will determine cause of death while NYPD says no criminal activity is suspected.

Left

Donike Gocaj Fatal

The city’s Department of Environmental Protection has logged over 700 missing-cover requests this year, highlighting systemic gaps.
Donike Gocaj, 56, fell into an uncovered maintenance hole on Fifth Avenue near the Cartier mansion and was pronounced dead.
Con Edison confirmed an investigation and stated safety remains its top priority for the city.
Her family said she leaves behind two children and two grandchildren, in their grief.

History

Historical Context

In 1904 a Manhattan manhole collapse killed three workers, leading Mayor George B. McClellan Jr. to order an audit that found 12,000 unsafe street openings and spurred the 1905 creation of New York’s Department of Public Works with a $2 million safety fund. The reform set a precedent for today’s Department of Environmental Protection, which logs over 700 missing-cover requests each year.

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Truck Triggers Fall

Video review showed a multi-axle truck passed over the manhole cover about twelve minutes before the fall, possibly dislodging it.
Donike Gocaj, 56, fell into an uncovered manhole on Fifth Avenue near 52nd Street in Manhattan and was pronounced dead.
Police reported no cones, signs, or barriers were present around the opening at the time.
The examiner will determine cause of death while NYPD says no criminal activity is suspected.

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