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Gocaj Family Sues Con Edison Over Fatal Manhole Accident

7/18/2026

29 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Gocaj family sued Con Edison July 16, 2026, alleging it failed to secure a manhole cover.
Donike Gocaj fell into the uncovered manhole in Midtown Manhattan on May 18, 2026, dying from burns.
Video shows a truck dislodged the cover 12 minutes before the fall, which Con Edison calls rare.
The suit claims manhole was left uncovered, unguarded, without warning signs, and that Jashar Kameraj was injured rescuing Gocaj.

History

Historical Context

In 2004 New York City adopted the Utility Safety Act, under the Rules of the City of New York, after a Con Edison-maintained manhole cover collapsed, killing worker Carlos Ruiz. The city identified about 15,000 uncovered covers and spent $12 million on repairs, a precedent cited in the Gocaj family’s 2026 lawsuit alleging a similar fatal incident.

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Story summary

The Gocaj family sued Con Edison July 16, 2026, alleging it failed to secure a manhole cover.
Donike Gocaj fell into the uncovered manhole in Midtown Manhattan on May 18, 2026, dying from burns.
Video shows a truck dislodged the cover 12 minutes before the fall, which Con Edison calls rare.
The suit claims manhole was left uncovered, unguarded, without warning signs, and that Jashar Kameraj was injured rescuing Gocaj.

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