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NYPD Investigates New Video of People Emerging from Manhattan Manhole
8/23/2026, 9:59:37 PM
Manhattan Manhole Video Sparks Police Inquiry
A TikTok video posted on a Friday shows three individuals in overalls and headlamps climbing out of a manhole at 32nd St. and 7th Ave., near Penn Station and Madison Square Garden. The footage was recorded shortly after 4 a.m. in mid-August. A New York Police Department (NYPD) spokesperson confirmed the department is aware of the video, that no arrests have been made, and that the investigation remains ongoing.
Background: Earlier Manhole Incidents and Theories
Similar videos circulated online in May, featuring groups of men emerging from manholes across the city. One incident on May 5 in Astoria, Queens, involved a man lifting a cover at around 2 a.m., after which seven men climbed out and changed clothes near McDonald and Bedford Avenues. Hours later, another clip showed seven men emerging onto a street with active traffic near Heyward Street and Bedford Avenue, some carrying shovels. At the time, a senior law-enforcement official told NBC News that the prevailing theory was the individuals were scavenging for valuables, though no immediate threat to the public was identified.
Official Responses and Safety Warnings
The City’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) issued a statement confirming that an inspection of the sewer infrastructure near the August incident found no damage. The DEP emphasized that entering sewers is illegal and extremely dangerous, citing hazards such as toxic gases, unstable surfaces, flooding risks, and confined spaces. The agency warned that members of the public should never enter pipes, drains, catch basins, manholes, or outfalls.
Data & Timeline
Why It Matters
The recurring nature of these incidents raises concerns about public safety and the security of underground infrastructure. While officials have found no damage to the sewer system, the videos highlight the potential for hazardous conditions and illegal access, prompting law-enforcement and city agencies to monitor and warn against such activities.
